For 51 years, Joseph Mndala of Malasa Village under Traditional Authority Malengachanzi in Nkhotakota District has lived with a disability he was born with, a condition that has left him bedridden and dependent on others for nearly every aspect of his daily life.
Unable to care for himself, Joseph relies heavily on his elder brother, Peter Mndala, for feeding, bathing and changing his bedding, responsibilities that have become part of Peter’s everyday routine.
But behind the quiet walls of their modest home lies a story of sacrifice, resilience and the harsh realities faced by families caring for people with disabilities in rural communities.
Each day begins early for Peter, whose first task is often searching for food for the household. To survive, he takes on piecework jobs and tends to a small garden.
Yet his responsibilities are constantly interrupted by the need to return home and care for his brother, who cannot be left alone for long periods.
“It is not easy to take care of my brother, Joseph, because he depends on me for almost everything. Although we have other relatives, I am the one who spends most of my time with him,” said Peter.
Because of Joseph’s condition, cleanliness has become one of the family’s biggest daily challenges. Bedding and clothes must be washed almost every day to ensure Joseph remains comfortable and healthy.
“When I come back, I have to wash his clothes and bedding at the river and make sure he is clean and comfortable,” Peter explained.
The constant washing means soap has become one of the household’s most essential needs, yet one that is often difficult to afford alongside food and other necessities.
Despite the hardships, Peter continues to care for his brother, spending most of his time at home attending to Joseph’s needs.
Touched by the family’s situation, members of Zokonda Amayi Macheza, a women’s group in Nkhotakota District, recently visited Joseph’s home to offer support.
The women donated maize flour, soya pieces, cooking oil, salt, tomatoes and washing soap, items they hope will ease some of the challenges faced by the family.
Chairperson of the group, Veronica Kaulimbo, said the gesture was aimed at reminding vulnerable people that they are not alone.
“There are many people in our communities who are suffering silently and need support. As a group, we believe in sharing what we have with those in need and encouraging others to do the same,” said Kaulimbo.
She further urged individuals and community groups not to ignore those living in difficult conditions, saying even small acts of kindness can bring hope to struggling families.
Peter described the donation as a timely relief.
“We wash bedding almost every day because of my brother’s condition. Soap is one of the things we need most, alongside food. We are grateful for the support these women have given us,” he said.
Apart from assisting Joseph’s family, the women also conducted a cleaning campaign at St. Paul’s Market in Nkhotakota as part of efforts to promote hygiene and sanitation in the community.
The Zokonda Amayi Macheza group comprises 32 women from Nkhotakota District, with all the donated items contributed from members’ own pockets.
By Wongani Mkonkholo, Nkhotakota
