Orphans, Aids and Malnutrition in South Africa

The Aids pandemic in South Africa is causing enormous devastation. Kwasizabantu Mission is faced with the tragedy in very real situations, every day. Besides the every increasing funerals which KSB is asked to conduct all over the country (which is a wonderful opportunity to present the Gospel) we are also involved with having to help orphaned children. The estimate is that there are at least 120,000 orphaned children in our province of KwaZulu-Natal from Aids related deaths (750,000 is the prediction for 10 years from now).

The photos in this article were taken on 26 June 2003. A local chief (`Inkosi) of the `Emabomvini' area had asked for assistance from Rev Erlo Stegen with the many orphans in the area. Lindi was introduced to him on Monday this week. She was covered with sores and was obviously suffering greatly. Rev Stegen arranged some co-workers, Alpheus Mdlalose and Dr Anne Hyams, to attend to her medical condition as soon as possible. It was arranged that they could meet Lindi at the chief's home on Thursday 26 June. Lindi arrived but could hardly walk. She was whispering, "Please - food". It was then discovered that Lindi has 4 other siblings who stay with her in a single decaying hut. The roof is breaking in and there is no proper protection from rain. Lindi's parents and grandparents have all died (it seems that Aids has ravaged her family) and now they are completely alone with no possibility of regular meals.

Not only was Lindi there but also a crowd of other orphans.

Dr Hyams could examine 21 of them and assist with whatever immediate treatment was possible. Most illnesses are connected to neglect and malnutrition. Arrangements have been made to visit these children with more medical supplies (and food) on Monday, the Lord willing.

A group went back to the mission, heartbroken at the condition of Lindi and the others, collected food and rushed back to Lindi's hut to give her some supplies for a few days.