Nyelisani Sidimela, a ritual murder survivor, got a new lease on life when R10 000 was donated to her trust fund after the Valentine’s Music Festival on Saturday. Hosted by NW Engineering and Phalaphala FM, the festival attracted thousands of people whose aim was to assist Nyelisani with the funds to have her lips replaced with a plastic surgery.

The festival took place at 2010 Centre, Thohoyandou. Nyelisani was discovered unconscious with removed lips, while her friend, Maanda Sendedza was dead with his private parts removed, at Makonde-Shadani on 23 October last year. Two traditional healers, Mukondeleli Phosha and Shumani Dzebu, were arrested in connection with the incident. They are presently in police custody as their bail applications have been denied more than three times at the Thohoyandou Magistrates’ court.

Medical experts confirmed that Nyelisani would need more than R360 000 to have her lips replaced through plastic surgery. She is presently receiving treatment at a Gauteng hospital.

The South African Council of Churches, SABC Radio, the Limpopo Premier’s Office, NAFCOC and the local community initiated a trust fund to help Nyelisani late last year, as her poor family cannot afford the exorbitant fees. Several fundraising activities were held since January and so far, R56 000 has been raised.

Lolo Mashila of NW Audiovisual said it was important to assist Nyelisani to demonstrate that Limpopo people are strongly against ritual murder activities. He also passed gratitude to the community members who attended the function to support Nyelisani.

“The high attendance was a clear indication that our people totally condemn what happened to Nyelisani and we hope the community will continue supporting her. The donated money will make a difference and this will also give Nyelisani more courage to face life with pride because she will know that there are people who care outside.”

Amongst others, artists who took part in the fundraising event included Ringo, Revolution, Malaika, Ntando, Brickz, African Expression, Jonah Moyo, Ray, Worship House and Marcus Mundalamo.

The details of Nyelisani’s trust fund are as follows: Account Name: South African Council of Churches (SACC) Emergency Relief Trust, Nedbank, Account No: 1979410526, Branch Code: 190805.

More information about the fund can be obtained from Alunamutwe Rannditsheni (coordinator) at 082 558 3675, Pataki Mautjie (Limpopo SACC Secretary) at 082 852 6282, Victor Ravhuanzwo (SABC Radio) at 082 413 1101.