ActionSA leader and former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba has stepped in to support former Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba with a donation of R200,000 as the football veteran battles prostate cancer and tuberculosis (TB).
The financial contribution follows a heartfelt public appeal by the Mashaba family, who recently disclosed that the former national team coach is bedridden and struggling to meet soaring medical costs.
The family said Shakes Mashaba had lost his medical aid after he was no longer able to keep up with the monthly payments, leaving them to shoulder the burden of his treatment.
After visiting the family’s home, Herman Mashaba said seeing the former coach’s condition firsthand deeply affected him and strengthened his resolve to assist.
He recalled knowing Shakes Mashaba since the 1970s and described him as a man who inspired the country through his dedication to football.
Mashaba said the former Bafana Bafana coach had given South Africans pride, hope and memorable moments over several decades.
He also commended Shakes Mashaba’s children for speaking publicly about the family’s situation and financial strictures, saying asking for help required tremendous courage.
According to Herman Mashaba, their decision to share their father’s plight had created an opportunity for compassionate South Africans to rally behind the family.
He announced that he would transfer R200,000 into the bank account of the newly established Shakes Mashaba Foundation.
Mashaba said he hopes the donation will ease some of the financial strain facing the family while allowing the former football mentor to concentrate on his recovery.
He also expressed his wish to see Shakes Mashaba regain his health and return to better days.
The donation comes as the family continues to raise funds for the football legend’s ongoing care.
They have revealed that he requires continuous medical treatment, specialised nursing care, medication and essential medical equipment at home.
Although members of the public have already donated items such as a wheelchair, the family said much more assistance is still needed.
They have appealed to individuals, businesses and organisations to contribute financially or provide in-kind support to help ensure the former Bafana Bafana coach receives the care he needs.
