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Musawenkosi Moyo
WHEN times are dark, friends and family are few. This has been proven true in the case of a 26-year-old man Mike Moyo from Halaupa Village, Matobo District, in Matabeleland South Province who is battling a chronic heart condition and was allegedly abandoned by his family members “to die alone.”
While Mike was hospitalised and unwilling to shoulder the burden of caring for him, the family members reportedly moved to another village about 50 kilometres away and built a new homestead.
In an interview with B-Metro at his homestead, where he now lives alone, Mike, whose breathing has become increasingly laboured, shared his heart breaking story.
He revealed that his mother died when he was young and that he was raised by his grandmother alongside his four cousins.
He believed that they would support him through his health struggles, but two months ago, upon his discharge from the hospital, he returned home to a shocking reality.
“I had been admitted to the hospital and after being discharged, I returned home to find that they had left. I asked around and found out that they had left days before I was discharged. I went to where they are now residing and was told that I was not welcome to stay with them.
“I was deeply hurt by all their rejection, especially when I am sick and in need of help. But I just try not to think about it too much because it makes me sad and stressed, which is not good for my health,” said a teary-eyed Mike.
Mike further explained that doctors have recommended surgery as the only viable solution for his condition.
He is in urgent need of heart surgery, which costs around R16 000. Unfortunately, he cannot afford the procedure and is appealing to the public for assistance.
He said that due to his condition, he easily gets tired and fatigued, making it difficult for him to work and obtain the necessary medication.
“I have to take three different types of pills to manage my condition, but due to a lack of money, I can only afford one of them. I only take it when the pain becomes unbearable, not every day as prescribed.
“My whole body, including my stomach, legs, hands, and sometimes my face, swells up. This happens so frequently that I have to walk more than 50 kilometres to Maphisa Hospital every two weeks to have the fluid drained. Sometimes, I even have to drain the fluid myself using a syringe, tube, and bucket because I can’t afford to go to the hospital,” said Mike.
He said that since his family abandoned him, he now relies on his neighbour, Racheal Moyo who he said saved his life.
“I have known Mike for a long time, and when I found out that he was sick and had no one else, I decided to help. I don’t have much, but I try to give him food and check on him to make sure he’s awake and not sleeping all day,” she said.
Another neighbour, Magodonga Mahlanga, who has also been a constant support to him, said that she hopes people will sympathise with Mike and help him.
“My hope is that Mike gets help because he truly is a kind and hardworking young man, and if given the help to return his life to normal, would do great things,” said Mahlanga.
Mike said that before becoming sick, he used to work in South Africa.
“Before getting sick, I used to work in South Africa, and in 2020, I began feeling sick and had to return home. Since then, it has been a constant struggle,” he said.
Online Reporter