Nompendulo Ngubane
A Pietermaritzburg man has appealed for help to bury his father who passed away six weeks ago.
Patrick Zingisile (70), has been lying in a hospital mortuary since the 28th of July but his son Siphosethu Nxumalo has been unable to bury him because of a severe shortage of funds.
In an emotional plea, Nxumalo revealed that he has sought assistance from various sources including local community leaders – but all his efforts were unsuccessful.
Speaking to Gagasi FM News outside his informal dwelling, Nxumalo explained saying, “When I was seeking help I even reached out to our local councillors who also told me that they could not assist. This is why I reached out to the news people, in the hopes that they could help me.”
Nxumalo said he cannot afford to bury his father because he is unemployed and does not know where to turn for help. He told Gagasi FM News that his father’s family is unknown, making it difficult to seek assistance from relatives.
He appealed to anyone who could lend a helping hand so that he can give his father a dignified burial.
“I would like to appeal for anyone to help me bury him because his body has been laying at the mortuary for too long. What I need the most is just assistance with his burial,” said Nxumalo.
Following Gagasi FM News’ publication of Nxumalo’s story on social media, several business figures, religious leaders and members of the public across KwaZulu-Natal have reached out, requesting Nxumalo’s contact details in an effort to offer their assistance – offering him a small glimmer of hope.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story, and Gagasi FM News will continue to follow up on Nxumalo’s plight, as to whether or not his father can finally be laid to rest.
