Early festive cheer for pensioners

Christmas has come early for an Alberton family after finding out they are the lucky recipients of a R50000 home make-over.

Pensioners Dan, 61, and Yvonne, 63, Rambali, who have been living in their Eden Park home for 30 years, received the happy news after their daughter, Neesha Rambali, submitted a request to the 94.7 Highveld Stereo Christmas Wish List team - to restore her parents' modest home.

As a result, Builders Warehouse will be sponsoring construction material to the value of R20000, labour for R30000 and appliances of their choice valued at R5000.

In her letter, Neesha said: "The kitchen cupboard doors are falling off, the toilet is leaking and I have tried to help them by extending the house but then I lost my job and now the house is in a bigger mess than before."

Rambali and her sons, Eshaan, 1, and Keithan, 6, live with her parents. She said her mother feeds people in the community even when she has no food.

Dan Rambali lost his job as a truck driver in 1983 after being attacked and robbed in Alberton and losing the sight in his left eye. He began collecting cardboard and scrap metal to earn a living, and later qualified for a disability grant.

Yvonne said: "I was so shocked and joyful when I heard that our Christmas wish was coming true, especially because I had no idea that Neesha even wrote to Highveld Stereo. God has truly blessed us not only with our house being fixed but with a daughter who tries her best to look after parents."

Highveld Stereo station manager Ravi Naidoo said: "The plea that Neesha sent us was touching and inspired us to make their lives a little more bearable."

Llewellyn Walters of Builders Warehouse, said: "We hope the donation ... will improve their living conditions so that they are more comfortable."