Three weeks later her grandmother was discharged from the hospital even though she was still weak. Thandeka had an added responsibility of taking care of her grandmother. She started missing classes because she had lot on her plate. All her siblings and sick granny depended on her. She then quit school and took care of her family permanently.

Three months later her grandmother passed away. It was very painful for them, they were not coping at all. So after her grandmother was buried the principal called Thandeka to the office, as the school had noticed that she was not herself. They organised a counselling session for her. Things got a little bit better until a year later…

She was walking home from school when she saw people gathering next to the road. As she got closer, she saw that there was an accident. She heard that all three children had died on the scene, only to find out they were her siblings. The people who witnessed the accident explained the kids were playing next to the road and that’s how the accident occurred.

Thandeka was in such a shock, she wished she could have died too. There was no money to bury them, she was assisted by the community who donated some money and groceries. As she was only 13 at the time, after her siblings were buried, the neighbour offered her a place to stay. Even though the neighbour was not rich she took her in because she wanted her social grant.

This neighbour had children who did not like Thandeka staying with them. She realised that she was not welcome in this family. At the age of 15 she took her clothes and went to stay on the streets were she started smoking and drinking alcohol. She slept with every man because she was looking for love and the place to hide her head.

Tell us: What do you think will happen to Thandeka?