Progress Report - February 2010

[ LEES DIE BERIG IN AFRIKAANS ] [ BERIG IN TSHWANE BEELD : 18.2.2009 ]

Dear reader and benefactor,

The story of Amos Sibanda’s pain and suffering as a result of his almost fatal accident took a significant turn for the better in October 2008 with the founding of the trust named the THE AMOST BETTER LIFE FOUNDATION. 

The full story and photos are available on the Internet at www.ablf.co.za. 

The trustees are pleased to present an update to the story. 

Medical background 

The original diagnosis to repair Amos’ palate and the associated reconstruction of his gums and teeth suggested serious costs would be incurred, the first phase alone running to R50,000. Against this background a trust was established in order to raise funds to cover these medical costs.  

As of today Amos has undergone three operations that have now repaired his palate and tongue. The operations were successful and Amos can now eat normally again. His speech and his balance have also markedly improved. 

The fourth procedure was to focus on the building up of his jaw and to provide various implants. Prof. Coetzee, who performed the previous operations, did, however, expressed his reservations based on the condition of Amos’ remaining teeth and general oral hygiene. The opinion of two other dental surgeons was obtained and the trustees decided to accept their recommendations to proceed along more conservative lines. 

Progress and set-backs 

Many miracles have been experienced since Amos’ tragic story became more widely known. His loss of memory has been progressively reversed, and little by little he has regained control of his own life. He has been reunited with his family, can prove his identity, and has applied for an ID document. Amos has received gifts of computer equipment and training. His story appeared in various media, and compensation has been forthcoming for the loss of human dignity he suffered as a result of the accident.  

There have also been setbacks, including further tragedy and losses.  Amos’ wife, as a result of the miscarriage of their second baby, became seriously depressed and left him. Amos is now a single parent to his 4-year old son Tinos and 15 year old Mercy, an aids orphan who found a safe haven with Amos and his wife. Mercy is not well and taking medical care of her is putting Amos under additional financial pressure. 

Involvement of the trust 

The trust provides ongoing support for Amos in many areas, and thanks to the generosity of its many benefactors he has been provided with food, clothes and essential foodstuffs. 

I want to make it clear that ABLF is not at present collecting funds for any further operations. However, the funds in the trust are still invested for Amos‘ benefit, to cover future medical costs and for training purposes (e.g. his driver’s license, once he has his ID document). 

The road ahead 

It was always the intention that Amos would be helped to regain control of and responsibility for his life. The trust’s goal was originally to care for Amos while he was living on the street and otherwise totally dependent on the generosity of passing strangers. 

Rehabilitation is a process and not an event, and it has taken time to reach the point where Amos is now ready to move off the street. Amos now has basic computer skills and has an interest in sales. His dream is to open his own Spaza shop but with a mentor to give him guidance in the practical aspects of running the shop, as well as helping him develop his entrepreneurial skills. 

If you can help him get on his feet in this area of his life, either by providing employment or other form of assistance, it will indeed be a happy ending to a story in which we have all played a part. 

With best wishes  

Isabel Wagner (Trustee)  

082 7727 828     

isabelwgnr@gmail.co.za  

February 2010