marble nkomo
Mthokozisi Ncube
A MOTHER of two from Emthunzini suburb in Bulawayo is facing possible eviction after falling ill and losing her source of income, leaving her struggling to care for her family and her mentally-challenged brother.
Irene Manumanu, who once eked out a living as a vendor at Mathojeni Flea Market in Nkulumane, said her life took a turn for the worse after she became seriously ill.
“I never thought I would find myself in this situation,” she said. “Just thinking about how I will survive when I can no longer work gives me sleepless nights.”
Her condition, which includes high blood pressure, has left her unable to continue working, forcing her to rely on borrowing money from friends — a debt she can no longer repay. “When my blood pressure rises, I feel a stabbing pain in my chest and struggle to breathe. My whole body becomes weak,” she said.
“I try to rest, but the worry never stops. How can I take care of my family in this condition?”
The situation has been worsened by mounting rent arrears at her rent-to-buy home.
“I breached our agreement, and now I have been given seven days to pay or vacate the house,” she said.
“It hurts to owe people who once trusted me. Every time I see them, I feel guilty, but I simply do not have the money.”
Beyond her own health struggles, Manumanu is also the primary caregiver for her mentally challenged brother, who is a frequent patient at Ingutsheni Central Hospital.
“I worry about my brother every day. He depends on me for everything,” she said. “Sometimes I feel like I am failing him because I can no longer provide as I used to.”
She also has two daughters, both unemployed, who are actively seeking jobs to help support the family.
The pressure of providing for her household while battling illness has taken a heavy emotional toll.
“I do not know where to turn anymore,” she said. “I am appealing to well-wishers to assist in any way they can. Even the smallest help will make a difference.”
Despite her challenges, Manumanu said she remains hopeful.
“I have always worked hard to support my family. Now I can only hope that someone will come to our rescue before it is too late,” she said. Those who want to assist her can do so through financial support, food donations or temporary accommodation as she battles to keep her family afloat.
“I just want to survive this. I want to see my daughters happy again and ensure my brother has a safe place to stay,” she said.
Those wishing to assist Irene Manumanu can contact her on +263 71 228 5787.
Online Reporter