Man appeals for assistance

his eye during treatment.
Mr Themba Maphungwana has an eye problem and medical practitioners at local hospitals have reportedly failed to assist him as he has been referred from one doctor to the other.
When a Chronicle news crew visited him at his home on Wednesday, Mr Maphungwana, who was visibly in deep pain, narrated his ordeal.
” A lump started developing on my right eye in 2009 and I quickly went to Richard Morris Hospital where I was told to buy a certain ointment that would improve my condition. The ointment did not change the condition but the lump grew bigger with each passing day and I had to go back to the doctors,” said Mr Maphungwana.
He said it was only last year that doctors managed to remove his eye and his condition has deteriorated since then.
“The doctors said the lump had developed into a cancerous growth which needed to be removed and I agreed. What is hurting me is that they said removing the growth would improve my condition but I have since developed this other lump on my right cheek,” said Mr Maphungwana.
He appealed to medical practitioners, politicians, churches, donors and members of the public to help him in whatever form.
“I am kindly asking any well wishers to help me because I am in a desperate situation. I have stopped working and it has been difficult fending for my three children, mother and wife. We are now surviving on donations from this community,” said Mr Maphungwana.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Maphungwana’s mother, 60-year-old Mrs Laiza Maphungwana, said she could no longer stand her son’s sight.
“What we are going through as a family is very painful. Nxa ngikhangela umntanami, inhliziyo yami ibabuhlungu. I have tried every possible thing to help him but I have failed. What also pains me is that he is failing to fend for his family and I feel I have failed him as a mother because I cannot afford to provide him with a single meal,” said Mrs Maphungwana.
She said the family was now surviving on piece jobs that she does to make ends meet.
“I have tried in vain to look for work and this is a very difficult time for the family,” said Mrs Maphungwana.
Mrs Maphungwana said well-wishers could visit his son at number 57804/2 New Lobengula or contact him on 0712 745 025.