Byline: Andani Matumba
26 September 2022
A young life would have been cut short, but the courageous boy from Embalenhle, Ext 26 fought relentlessly for his life after he was electrocuted by an open wire on his way home from school.
Hlalifo Mapeshone has suffered third degree burns and although he now wheel chair bound, the intelligent 14-years old who dreams of being a professional soccer player is gradually recovering.
The brutal incident occurred in Embalenhle, Ext 26 in 2018 when Hlalifo was on his way from school when he was accidently struck by open electricity wires from someone who had bridged electricity.
On Friday, 13 September 2022, the Executive Mayor visited the Mapeshone family as part of his service delivery outreach programme and donated food supplies to the family.
Halifo was also gifted with a brand-new Dell laptop which is fully installed with learning software.
According to Cllr Zuma, the municipality has engaged with the Department of Education for intervention so that the Hlalifo is not left behind in his education.
Executive Mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma has established a relationship with the young man and even bought him a phone so that they can be able to chat from time to time.
“My friend does not love me and resents me because every time I try to reach him his phone it is always off,” said EM Zuma jokingly.
Cllr Zuma further stated that the municipality could not sit and wait for the intervention from the Department of Education hence they decided to step up ensuring that Hlalefo receives the education he deserves.
The Mapeshoene family showed gratitude and Hlalifo was excited to receive his laptop and could not wait to start using it.
Although he misses his friends at school, he was grateful to receive the laptop.
