When Kalawa Jazmee Chikita, Candy, first set eyes on her friend’s 1-year-old, she was determined to do something as quickly as possible. Candy and the mother of the tot were childhood friends from the village of Ga-Sedibeng in Bolobedu, Limpopo.
It was clear that the baby, Ntswaiki Prudence Raleak, suffered from hydrocephalus (water on the brain).
Candy explained: “Ntswaiki was wearing a cap. Her mother came to me and told me that I was the only one who could help her. When I saw how swollen her head was my tears were falling. She said that the Ntswaiki was born normal, but after three months her head started to grow.
“She then took her to hospitals and clinics 14 times and was turned away.”
Candy sprung into action and called her friends in the health departments and organised two operations for Ntswaiki.
To raise funds to continue helping the tot, Candy planned a gala dinner in Limpopo. The dinner is by invitation only but there will also be a concert on October 25 featuring Kalawa Jazmee artists. The proceeds will administered by her NGO, Candy Tsamandebele.
Unfortunately, baby Ntswaiki died on Sunday. Her funeral will be held on Saturday.
Candy is determined to continue with the event. The funds raised will go towards buying Ntswaiki’s tombstone and other projects the NGO plans to work on. The idea for the foundation came to the singer when she received invitations from various schools to give motivational talks in the province.
“I go to schools in Limpopo and reach out, particularly to the girls. I got pregnant when I was young and I make them aware of the impact. I also tell them that I love myself. Wearing hairpieces, short skirts and make-up; it sends out the wrong message.
“Also, they are so poor there. In 20 years of democracy there are still kids who have no shoes, not enough money for a school uniform. This foundation plans to help those young children in need.”
• The Home Coming Festival, Saturday, Shidila Lodge, Kgapane, Limpopo. 6pm. Line-up: Busiswa, Winnie Khumalo, Berita, Miss Pru, Nokwazi, others and DJs. R60 at Shoprite/ Checkers, R80 at door.