Unchain Our Children and Shekinah 911: Lifelines for Margaret Amid South Africa’s Healthcare Struggles

Pretoria, July 19, 2025 – Today, In a heartwarming follow-up to the rescue of an elderly woman, referred to as Margaret (not her real name), the Unchain Our Children (UOC) Team and Shekinah 911 Emergency Medical Services continue to provide vital support to a woman battling advanced cancer. Recently saved from severe neglect, Margaret received a goodwill visit from Shekinah 911 today, where sister Babsie and Morgan tenderly attended to her personal needs, bathing her and dressing her warmly.

Margaret, now under the dedicated care of UOC and Shekinah 911, is showing remarkable resilience despite her condition. Sources close to the situation report that she is much calmer, finding comfort and strength in the sincere attention and engagement from her caregivers. The compassionate care has visibly uplifted her spirits, offering a sense of dignity and hope. Next week, Shekinah 911 EMS will accompany Margaret to a state hospital for her regular check-up and medications, ensuring her ongoing medical needs are met.

Margaret’s story shines a light on the broader challenges within South Africa’s healthcare system, where millions lack access to private medical aid and rely heavily on overburdened state facilities.

According to Statistics South Africa’s 2022 General Household Survey, only 15.8% of South Africans were members of medical aid schemes, leaving approximately 84% of the population—over 50 million people—dependent on public healthcare services.

This disparity is stark across population groups, with just 9.8% of Black Africans covered by medical aid compared to 71.7% of White individuals. Furthermore, 73% of households reported using public clinics or hospitals as their first point of care when ill, highlighting the pressure on state facilities.

The public healthcare system, serving the majority of the population, faces significant strain due to underfunding, mismanagement, and a shortage of medical professionals. In 2017/18, provincial health departments faced medical-legal claims estimated at R80 billion, reflecting systemic issues such as negligence and inadequate infrastructure.

With 83% of South Africans relying on public hospitals, which often suffer from overcrowding and resource shortages, stories like Margaret’s underscore the critical role of community organizations in bridging the gap for vulnerable individuals.

As Margaret continues her journey with the support of UOC and Shekinah 911, her story serves as both a testament to the power of compassionate care of non-profit organizations like UOC and Shekinah 911 EMS, and a call to action for addressing the inequities in South Africa’s healthcare system.

Elderly lady’s name changed to protect privacy, per UOC protocols.

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