SHE’S ALL HEART
Spirit of ubuntu in Chintsa
FROM helping poor children receive their government social grants to paying pupils’ bus fares, medical bills for the sick, and helping a local soup kitchen feed the needy, a Chintsa East woman is doing her bit to help those less fortunate.
She also collects food for pets and distributes it to residents in Kwanikeri township.
And Lynne Crawford, 71, has no plans to stop with her philanthropic gestures.
She says she learnt the spirit of ubuntu from her father, who went out of his way to close the gap between the haves and the have-nots.
“Dabawo”, as Crawford is affectionately known, cannot stand to see others suffering in Kwanikeri and not do anything about it.
Her most recent act of kindness had the whole village talking.
Crawford paid transport fees for two siblings and got their social grants reinstated by negotiating with the Social Security Agency after the pair lost their mother.
With their mother’s passing, they lost their social grant for months and had to walk 22km to school in Bulura. Crawford is now on a mission to build them a house with the help of a local businessman.
“I learnt the spirit of ubuntu from my dad at a young age, he used to help everyone. I was away in America for 27 years but I have been helping people for as long I can remember.
“Your helping hand increases as you become more aware of what people are going through and I want to be involved here in Chintsa because this is where I live,” she said.
The businesswoman said if everyone did their bit to help, South Africa would be a better place.
“The disparity between what we have and they don’t is shocking and sad, but I am just doing my bit.
“We must help each other and make this country what it is supposed to be – beautiful,” Crawford said.
Xolelwa Makufungana, who runs a daily soup kitchen in the location and helps children with their homework, heaped praise on Crawford.
“She helped my soup kitchen a lot. She helps buy the ingredients, she donates with whatever is needed. She even bought us a TV and DVD so the children can watch movies on weekends and on holidays,” she added.