TSHISELUSELU – A woman with a big heart, Angelina Matambila, has been taking care of three orphans of the Muavha family since their parents passed away in 2003. She left behind her sickly, unemployed husband and five kids at Mavhuwa, to stay with the orphans, because the orphans had no one to look after them.

What makes Angelina more special is that she is not even related to the orphans, but she acted when the orphans’ plight was highlighted in her church. She does not have a decent job but she sells firewood for her and the orphans’ survival.

Although she has been struggling to raise the orphans without any assistance, her prayers were heard when a massive donation of groceries, blankets and school uniforms was made by Makhado councilor Mr Amie Chhaya on Sunday.

Steven (16), Maanda (14) and Mulalo (9) suddenly found themselves orphans when death robbed them of their parents in 2003. Steven and Maanda are in Grade 10 and 8 at Silemele Secondary School, whereas Malalo is in Grade 3 at the local Tshiseluselu Primary School.

Angelina says she was touched by the conditions in which the orphans were living. “I wanted to show that they are still human beings regardless of the fact that they do not have parents. I decided to leave my biological kids and husband behind, because the future of these orphans were my paramount concern. Although I also travel back to Mavhuwa to see my family, I spend most of my time with these orphans because they need someone to share their problems with. They did not choose what they are and they only need our support to carry on with life…”

When presenting the donations, Mr Chhaya said he was touched by the poor kids’ conditions of life. “I do not want poverty to diminish the future of these kids, because they have a right to live like others. They have just found themselves being victims of circumstances, and that is why I extended a helping hand to them. They need to grow up and become responsible members of the community through our support.”

On behalf of his siblings, Steven did not have enough words to thank Chhaya for the donations. “We are happy to know that we are not alone although we have lost our parents,” he said with a smile on his face.