Windhoek
The family whose baby has been in a mortuary for over a week will bury their child tomorrow after several people came forward to respond to their plight. The family needed N$930 to buy a coffin and pay for the transportation of their baby’s remains from the mortuary to the graveyard.
The 18-day-old baby boy died at home in Okahandja Park on Monday last week from natural causes. In total the family of Fransina Rooi received N$7,000 from various people who contributed to ensure that a respectful and dignified burial for the child takes place.
A Windhoek-based businessman Sem Komomeya, who donated N$1000, said he felt the need to respond to the New Era report on Tuesday that highlighted the grief-stricken family’s predicament. “Their baby has been in the mortuary for a week and no one could assist them, that’s why I gave this little donation,” Komomeya explained.
Many of the people who donated money preferred to remain anonymous. A local commercial radio station, Fresh FM, received close to N$5 000 in donations by lunchtime yesterday, but late into the afternoon Fresh FM listeners, who were touched by the story after it was read out over the radio, continued making donations to the destitute family.
Jermaine Murorua, a radio presenter at Fresh FM, said people responded immediately after they shared the news on air yesterday morning. “Some people stopped at our office on their way to work and dropped off the money, while some e-walleted [their donations].”
Employees of Analytical Technology and Chemical Supply visited the family and handed over a cheque of N$2 500.
“It is sad that human life is determined by the value of money. That theory is pathetic. We responded to make a difference in their lives and it is our duty to take care of each other, said Jeffery Hiuii.”
Fransina Rooi, the unemployed and destitute mother who is mourning her deceased child, said she was very glad that people showed such kindness by coming forward to assist them during this difficult time. After Rooi lost her lost her job as a domestic worker she managed to earn a little money washing people’s clothes in and around the community, but it was rarely enough to make ends meet.
“I can only say thanks to those who came forward to help us,” she said.
Shortly before going to press New Era received a further donation by cheque of N$3 000 from New Age TreeCycles, that will also go to the bereaved family.