The SOS Charity was pleased to assist respected lighting designer, Bongani Makanya, who is also the owner of Yamampela Events, a small technical company in Durban, by donating R15 000 to assist with his medical expenses.
Once again Belinda Saville, who really has become a life-line for people in Durban, let DWR Distribution and the SOS team know about Bongani’s plight. She explains, “Two years ago Bongani had a car accident on his way back from a gig and broke both of his legs. He was transferred to a government hospital where he had a difficult recovery.”
In constant pain for two years, Bongani saved enough money to go for an operation to reset his leg at the beginning of February and was admitted to Westville Hospital. Due to a complication of this surgical procedure, he developed organ failure. “Bongani was put on life support but miraculously pulled through. He recovered significantly but then caught pneumonia and ended up on life support again and had to be dialysised.” It really was touch and go, and to everyone’s delight, Bongani pulled through.
Although his medical aid covered most of the bills incurred, Bongani had a shortfall of R42 000. The Durban community managed to raise R20 000 and the SOS was pleased to assist with a further R15 000.
On behalf of everyone at DWR and to the wonderful industry who contributes towards the SOS fund, we’d like to wish Bongani well! We are so glad to still have you.
