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Help John — Himba Leader Severely Burnt in Gas Explosion
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€9,250 raised of €18.8K
58 donations
A life-devoted to helping others - now fighting for his own.
John Rimunikawi Tjipurua - a deeply respected Himba leader from Northern Namibia — suffered severe injuries in a devastating gas explosion.
While preparing a meal at the camp he built for his community, a gas bottle exploded.
67% of his body was burned.
He has been in the hospital for weeks (and will be hospitalized for at least another 2 months), in unbearable pain, facing months of recovery — and daily medical bills he or his community simply cannot cover.
This is a man who has spent his life helping others.
If you’ve ever had the privilege of meeting John, you know:
His warmth, his strength, his wisdom, his generosity — are rare.
Listen to this podcast I recorded with him years ago to get a feel for his unique spirit:
He has dedicated his life to his Himba tribe, to preserve their traditions and offer education to the next generation.
He never asked for anything.
He always gave.
Now he needs our help.
Mine.
Yours.
What he urgently needs:
John’s hospital stay and medication cost over 250 EUR per day — a fortune in Namibia:
Hospital fees: N$1,160/day
Silbecor Cream: N$2,500/day
Supiroban Cream: N$820/day
Kloraxin Eye Ointment: N$40/day
Food: N$100/day
His family and community are doing all they can. But they are simply out of options. Without external help, John cannot continue his treatment.
I (Sonja Piontek) have known John for many years. And I route for him with all my heart.
We’ve shared powerful moments together in the Himba kraals of Namibia.
His story — and his image — were even featured in the National Geographic book I co-authored with Carolyne Strover, who has also become a dear friend of John’s over the years.
We are stepping in.
And we ask you to join us.
Every single donation counts.
Whether you give 5€, 50€, 500€ or more — you are helping John survive, life and continue to give.
We will keep this page updated and ensure every cent goes directly to his care.
Please give what you can.
Please share this campaign.
Let’s help John heal — and stand tall again.
With deepest gratitude,
Sonja Piontek
on behalf of John’s friends and Himba family in Namibia
Organizer
