An Eastern Cape man who dabbles as a content creator is running a campaign to help Eastern Cape social media sensation Inja to finally get a home.
Mkhanyiseli Mfutye, a 35-year-old from Kwaaiman in Mqanduli, has become a recognised figure on social media with accounts on TikTok and Facebook, called fish91 Hoyi Nja and Inja and Fish.
“Fish” — his neighbour Vulikhaya Zilindlovo — has started a campaign to raise funds and get his friend a decent home.
Mfutye has captured the hearts of many social media users through his videos, but behind his playful videos lies a sad story of resilience, hardship and an urgent cry for help.
He lives with autism and shares a small, deteriorating rondavel with his sister, Nombuyiselo Mfutye, and her five children.
The house is old and leaks when it rains.
There is no electricity, and the space is too small for seven people.
Mfutye was forced to drop out of school when he was young after enduring relentless bullying due to his disability.
Other children did not understand him because of his condition.
Zilindlovu shared the struggles Mfutye faced, which forced him to isolate himself from human interaction.
Some kind people from the TikTok community have promised to donate cement and help connect electricity once the new house is built
“The children would run away from him and treat him like he was not normal. As a result he doesn’t like being around people.
“If you notice in these videos I have uploaded on TikTok, I always make sure he is surrounded by people because I want him to learn how to live with people,” Zilindlovu said.
After their parents passed away, Nombuyiselo took full responsibility for her brother.
She does not work, partly because she needs to take care of him.
With no steady income and mounting responsibilities, the family only survives on Mfutye’s disability grant of R2,200 every month.
“That’s all we have; I can’t work because I must take care of my brother full-time.
“His needs require constant attention, I cannot leave him alone,” she said.
She said sending her brother to a special needs institution was out of their financial reach.
Local ward councillor Sydwell Mhlaba, who has known the family for some time, confirmed their living conditions were dire.
“It’s a sad situation. The family truly lives under unconducive circumstances,” he said.
Zilindlovu shared the family’s story online to ask for help.
He said they had already managed to collect 1,000 bricks to build a better home for the family.
“Some kind people from the TikTok community have promised to donate cement and help connect electricity once the new house is built.
“This family needs our help, even a small donation can make a huge difference.
“We are reaching out to you for support through donations to help our Nja.
“Every contribution you make will create a significant impact, uNja ngowethu [Nja is ours].”
Nombuyiselo said the family would be grateful for any sort of support.
“Any sort of help would be appreciated, it doesn’t have to be money.
“We will be happy to receive anything, be it non-perishable food items, gently used clothing, building materials, or furniture for the house,” she said.
Anyone wanting to support the Mfutye family can visit the Inja and Fish TikTok page for details on how to donate, or contact Zilindlovu.
Ndlovu has also opened an account where people can make donations.
Daily Dispatch
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