The mother of a 22-year-old autistic man who has the mental capacity of a child says she is desperate to find them a new home.
For five years, Dawn Ge Louw, 55, and her only child, Chad Ge Louw, have been living in a broken Wendy house in Manenberg, which leaks and is constantly damp inside.
Dawn often has to call neighbours to help her with her son’s “violent outbreaks”, during which he attacks her and breaks things.
They survive on Chad’s disability grant.
Dawn believes the wet Wendy is making her son sick as he constantly suffers from allergies.
She says her son has broken their fridge and table, and refuses to sleep on his bed “but is okay on the floor”.
She says he still wets the bed, and is unable to wash and dress himself or communicate properly.
Currently, Chad is on medication and attends workshops to help stimulate him.
“It is not easy living with a child like this,” the mom says.
“I have only called the police for him once when he wanted to throw the fridge over.”
She says Chad belongs in a home for special needs children, but she’s been on a waiting list for 18 years.
She is now appealing to the public to assist her with better living conditions “while we wait”.
“This is not a suitable place for him. He pees the bed wet all the time and I need to clean it each day.
“I am getting old now and can’t handle him anymore.”
If anyone can assist Dawn please contact her on 079 835 9795.