I REFER to “Should he be here at all?”, a letter in Paarl Post of 15 April, and agree that the writer is correct in stating that the car guard in question holds temporary resident’s status in South Africa.
I wish in no way to presume to answer for the government but, to my knowledge, there is nothing illegal in being a temporary resident.
This is, after all, the prerequisite to full citizenship and allows an immigrant to remain legally in the country for a specified time. Such status is renewable at the discretion of the authorities.
The injured car guard, Mr EP Malandou, was permanently employed to protect parked vehicles and assist drivers parking in the Paarl Pick n Pay Centre’s car park. That is until he was badly disabled while directing an elderly driver to reverse from a parking bay.
The driver ‘lost control of his vehicle’ and hit Malandou with such force that he was flung several metres into the back of a vehicle parked behind him in the bay opposite. Malandou’s legs were broken, his right leg in two places. It is no secret that there are many, many people of all race groups, whether immigrants or full citizens of this country, who cannot afford “private medical cover”, so please do not hold this against Malandou.
He is married to a South African woman with two children and they have one of their own. He is a respected member of the Roman Catholic Church in Mbekweni.
His fellow parishioners and colleagues are caring for the Malandou family while responsible citizens from Mbekweni, Paarl East and Paarl West are providing food and support.
The letter writer using the nom de plume, “Against illegal immigrants” need have no fears that Malandou will be a burden to society and also deprive ‘legal citizens’ of their jobs.
After all, we should not forget that all of our forefathers were at one time or another immigrants to this country.
If anyone can help with food or funds, please contact me on 021-863-3902.
Robin Graves
