Manenberg residents have gathered at the home of LGBTQI activist Leslie van Rooyen who has been diagnosed with Covid-19 and hospitalised.
Over the past week, concerned residents have gathered outside his house in Kei Street to pray for his recovery after his family was informed that his organs were failing.
The man, who has been dubbed the Queen of Manenberg, spent his 45th birthday on a ventilator in Groote Schuur Hospital.
Sister Aletta Ranc, 48, says: “He got sick more than a week ago and went to Heideveld Day Hospital.
“From there they transferred him to Groote Schuur and we were told he has Covid.
“We were in contact with him but then the situation got bad and they put him on a ventilator on Thursday.
“We are very worried and hartseer because the doctors have told us that his lungs and kidneys are failing and it doesn’t look good. We are still praying for him.”
Every second night residents gather outside his home where he runs a first feeding scheme.
This initiative was launched last year and sees Leslie and his team feeding thousands of hungry children and their parents each day.
The home is also a safe house for people who have been attacked or rejected by their families after revealing their sexuality.
Over the years, more than 2000 people have sought shelter at the safe house.
Aletta says the family is grateful for the prayers: “We appreciate the support in this very difficult time.
“Leslie has always worked hard for his community and the LGBTQI community.
“We hope the Queen of Manenberg recovers. The people and his family need him.”