Amos Mpofu
A DESPERATE father has turned to small-scale mining in a desperate bid to raise US$30 000 for his son’s heart surgery in India.
Mr Qondile Ndlovu, a man in his 50s from Nketa, Bulawayo, is digging for gold under the Zimbabwe Gold Investment Hub (ZIGIH), hoping to strike enough fortune to give his son, Mqoqi, another chance at life.
The initiative, established by Makwe-Gwanda-based legal miner Mr Lenn Morton Ndebele, opens up mining opportunities for people who cannot afford to acquire their own mining claims.
But for Mr Ndlovu, this is no ordinary gold rush. Every day in the mining fields brings him closer to his dream of getting his son the specialised treatment he desperately needs.
Mqoqi was diagnosed with a heart infection in August last year, and the family has since struggled to secure the required treatment. Doctors have recommended specialised medical intervention in India, which is expected to cost about US$30 000.
Speaking to Zimpapers in Makwe recently, an emotional Mr Ndlovu said he had tried everything to raise the money and was now appealing to well-wishers to help save his son’s life.
“I am here mining in Mr Ndebele’s claims for the sake of my son, who is suffering from a heart disease and is supposed to get US$30 000 to go to India, where he is supposed to be treated.
“He was diagnosed last year in August, and we have tried many things to treat him, but in vain. I am trying anything to raise that money, and I am also asking for assistance from the general public to help me raise
the money required to save my son,” he said.
The family’s struggles go beyond raising money for the trip and treatment. They are also battling to secure medication to manage Mqoqi’s condition while they work towards raising the required amount.
Mr Ndlovu said his son was currently without the medication he needs, leaving the family increasingly worried.
“He doesn’t have medication right now, and he is in true need of that medication to remain alive whilst we are trying to raise the amount required for us to fly him for his medication,” he said.
His decision to venture into mining reflects the lengths a parent can go to when fighting to save a child’s life.
Through ZIGIH, Mr Ndlovu has found an opportunity to pursue his fundraising efforts despite not having the financial means to acquire a mining claim of his own.
He is now appealing to individuals, organisations, well-wishers and the corporate sector to help raise the US$30 000 needed for Mqoqi’s treatment.
Those willing to assist can contact Mr Ndlovu at House Number 1734, Nketa 8, Bulawayo.
Financial assistance can also be sent through EcoCash on 0772989143, registered in the name of Qondile Ndlovu.
