By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
“I can’t believe that I have an ID. Thank you very much. I was shy to go to the media thinking people would laugh at me.
“But now I know the media has the power to change people,” says Tiyiselani Trust Nkomukomu, after receiving her identity card.
On 25 January 2023, this journalist published his article on Facebook.
When Isaac Mangena, City Power spokesperson saw the story, he said. “Let me assist.”
Mangena called the home affairs bosses who hastened the process and Tiyiselani was called by the home affairs branch of Makwarela.
Mangena, also a former journalist, said: “That’s what humanity is all about. We live to help others where we can, and I don’t have to know that person to be able to help them.
“It was a sad story, and I’m happy that she has an ID which will assist her go to school and open up lots of opportunities for her.”
Former journalist Bishop Baloyi, who first sought help from Mashamba Media on her behalf, was pleased with the news.
“The next hurdle for the 20-year-old who has just passed with a bachelor will be to get a space at the University in order to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher.
“Her story which left many worrying about poor service delivery at the home Affairs was in the headlines a week ago.
“Thanks my brother for the excellent journalism work. The lady from Gumbani will now be able to escape poverty,” said Baloyi.
Baloyi said the universities should at least make an arrangement for her since she didn’t deliberately delay herself.
He said it would be patriotic for the university to help her fulfill her dreams.
“Again, I want to thank the SABC for running the story. And lastly, I want to say thank you to Mr Mangena, for his intervention in the very story. God bless you.
“The next journey will be to secure her late entry to varsity.”
Baloyi is widely known for serving his community. He facilitated a borehole that was given to the Khatisa community in Gumbani in Limpopo.
The borehole currently benefits more than 50 households daily in the area where many were facing the water crisis.
This after Baloyi who is also a water activist realized that the Vhembe District Municipality had water problems.
His efforts were to address the water issues faced by communities near the Nandoni Dam.
“I am also encouraged to do free services to our community by our Traditional leader Chief Richard Mukhomi,” said Baloyi.