01 Feb 2015

Ever since the Ntshabele family in Mochudi requested Batswana to help raise funds for the 14-year-old Abian Ntshabele to undergo treatment in China, Batswana have stood together to raise funds for the teenager.

Already more than P800 000 has been raised, thus surpassing the targeted amount requested by the family which stood at about P500 000 (US$50 000) with more campaigns still being organised to prepare for extra medical expenses.

On January 30, a group of Bakgatla organised an Abbie Ntshabele fundraising gospel concert in Mochudi with an aim to raise funds towards her healing and recovery.

The pioneer of the event Mr Ernest Kopong said he met on social media with his fellow tribesmen and decided to assist the Ntshabele family as other Batswana had already shown support through financial aid.

He said they agreed on a church event so that even the elders could come and lend a helping hand while at the same time they enjoy gospel music from different artists.

Mr Kopong said as the youth they wanted to lead by example and show others that it was necessary to stand with others when they are going through a difficult time.

Abian Ntshabele’s uncle Mr Machel Ntshabele said they stayed with Abbie while her mother lived in the United Kingdom. He said the 14-year-old girl did not show any sign of sickness and played sports at school, but her mother, Ms Tiny Ntshabele who came for the holidays during the festive season noticed that her stomach was swelling which they were not aware of all along.

Mr Ntshabele said the young girl was taken for tests, and initially they thought she might be pregnant but the tests came negative and further tests were done and that’s when doctors discovered a rare form of Ovarian Cancer, known as Immature Teratoma.  

He said Abbie under went three operations and three cycles of Chemo-therapy which brought no good results and in August last year she went with her mother to the UK where doctors helped to stabilise the situation.

Mr Ntshabele said the sad news came on November when the doctors said there was nothing they can do and after looking elsewhere for help, that was when specialists in China said they can assist her.

“It was after we have spoken to them and heard the medical costs that we started to ask for financial aid from Batswana and the whole family is still amazed at the high response Batswana gave to raise funds for Abbie,” said Ntshabele. He said the family extend their heartfelt gratitude towards everyone who assisted them through this trying and difficult time to help their child recover.

Ntshabele said on Thursday Abbie’s Visa was out and now they are looking for a flight which will be able to carry her to China to undergo treatment. He said they are no longer worried about money but the health and recovery of their daughter. In his remarks Kgosi Segale Linchwe said he was overjoyed at the support that Batswana has given to this family.  This, he said show that Batswana are a united nation and this was the spirit which has made Botswana what it is today. 

Kgosi Segale said understanding our sense of belonging and togetherness will go a long way in averting evil and other problems that Batswana may go through. He however expressed concern over churches that drag their feet to assist their fellow countrymen who need theme at the most.

He applauded the youth for leading by example and having the urge to see their sister getting help as soon as possible. From the Dutch Reformed Church, Dr Olefile Molwane said it was important for the church to give assistance to the young girl at a time when she was going through a difficult time.

He said the bible says blessed is the hand that gives, hence those who assist the Ntshabele family at a time like this, surely God’s mercy shall be upon them. ENDS