KHUBVI – His family has not tasted food for three days in succession. He can no longer work for his family because he is in great pain and his stomach is bulging. Doctors told him he has a liver problem, but he is too poor to afford medical care.

This is the troubled life of skinny, bed-ridden Fhatuwani Sikhipha (46) of Khubvi Village, who lies in his mud hut, not knowing where his next meal will come from.

“I don’t want to die now, because my family look to me for survival. Although I can’t bring any food to the family, my kids are happy to see me alive. Even if I die now, my soul will never rest in peace, because I know my family will suffer more than when I’m alive. All I need is urgent medical assistance so that I may rise from my bed and work for my family. Doctors say my liver is troubling me and they say there are wounds in my stomach. My kids need food, clothes, accommodation and school fees,” said Fhatuwani during an interview.

Married to unemployed Sylvia (39) with seven kids, the family has been the most tragic victims of poverty and they usually go to bed with empty stomachs.

Although Fhatuwani earned only R330 as a gardener, he could at least buy a bag of maize meal, but life has turned into misery since he became ill in January this year. Since then, he does not have any income. He has spent his last cent consulting different traditional healers and sangomas, hoping that he would get assistance, but now he is broke and hopeless and he is always lying in his bed waiting for something to happen.

As if his misfortunes were not enough, his eldest son, Rudzani died in June and he is still struggling to come to terms with his death.

“Six of my kids are still at school and three of them have not paid school fees yet, because I don’t have money. Only one of my kids receives the R170 child support grant and it is impossible for the whole family to survive on such a small amount. I have been struggling to get a grant for my youngest kid, Given (1), but in vain.

My son Azwianewi (19), is always in pain. He can’t sleep because his left leg is aching and I can’t afford to take him to a doctor.”

Three of Fhatuwani’s kids were caught stealing food in the local supermarket and he said he couldn’t blame them because they were hungry. “Why should I blame them? I am not encouraging them to steal, but there was nothing they could do as they went for days without eating anything,” he said, while struggling to breathe.

Those who would like to assist the family can call 072 351 0164 or 073 334 1730.