Mr Erick Mamushiana (33) of Dumasi Village has never seen his father since he was born in 1972. He wants community members to help him trace his father, who worked as a labourer during the construction of the Punda Maria Road in 1972.

According to his investigations, his father was a contract worker who moved from place to place for different road constructions. During the construction of the Punda Maria Road, he fell in love with Erick’s mother Tiny, and Erick was born as a result of the relationship. His father continued with his construction work and nothing has been heard of him since 1972. Sadly, Erick does not even have a single photograph of his father.

“People can laugh at me but I don’t feel ashamed, because I want to know who my real father is. Even if he is dead, I would like to know where is buried so that I can pay tribute to him for bringing me in this world. The fact that he did not take care of me is not important; the most important thing is that I am alive because of him. I believe my two kids would also be happy to know their grandfather.”

He said the elders told him that his father’s name is Albert Munamateli, but no one knows where he is. “They said my father’s uncle is Victor Majola and he once came to pay a visit in 1972. That is all I know about my relatives.”

Erick said his life is becoming difficult because he believes that there are certain sacrifices that must be performed by Vhomakhadzi (his father’s sister) to open up more opportunities for him in life. “How can Vhomakhadzi perform the rituals because I don’t even know them? Look, I don’t even have a stable job because I still owe my ancestors sacrifices that must be done by Vhomakhadzi. I need to be reunited with my father so that we can sit down and iron out these issues, which are almost destroying my life. I feel very jealous when other children are staying peacefully with their fathers.”

Erick says there is still hope that he will one day meet his father. “I appeal to community members to help me in tracing my father, wherever he is. I will obviously be the happiest person on earth if I can be reunited with him. I love him even though I do not know him. Please, come back to me daddy, I really need you.”

Erick can be contacted at 072 101 5348.