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The Herald, September 13, 1994
AN ailing and aged mother in South Africa has a last wish before she dies; she would like to see her son who disappeared with his father to Zimbabwe about 38 years ago.
Ms Mercy Plaatjies married a Zimbabwean, Mr Morgan Chihoho, in 1955 and had a son Godfrey, named so because he was born on Good Friday, she recalls.
Two years later Mr Chihoho returned to Zimbabwe to show the son to his parents and Ms Plaatjies agreed in good faith.
But that was the last she saw of Godfrey and his father. At one time Godfrey sent her a letter together with a photograph where he was standing next to his father.
That was in 1973, and the almost-tattered picture is the only one Ms Plaatjies has of her son.
When Ms Plaatjies responded to the letter, she did not get any reply.
Now in her 70s and in poor health, Ms Plaatjies is frantic. Godfrey’s half-sister, Veronica, and her husband, Mr Simon Nemutandani, came from South Africa at the weekend just to look for Godfrey.
Yesterday they went to Gweru where Godfrey is believed to have worked as a manager of several bars.
Veronica and Simon said they would ask around, showing people the photograph as Godfrey might have assumed a new name.
Anyone who knows Godfrey’s whereabouts is requested to contact Mr Samson Chinyowa at House No. 1287, Section 4 Kambuzuma in Harare or on telephone numbers 27358, 486407 or 486496 during business hours.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Children should be allowed to have access to both parents even in the event that the parents have divorced or are living in different parts of a country or in different countries.
Research has shown that the absence of a parent, such as a mother, in a child’s life can lead to problems in the development of healthy relationships later in life. A child who has been denied their mother’s love and affection may struggle to form and maintain close, trusting relationships with others.
Honouring the wishes of a dying person is very important. It is a way of expressing your love and honour for the life they lived and their memory. It also helps to ease their passage into the after-life.
Online Reporter