Urgent: Medical Support for a Petit Forestier Family Member

We’re reaching out today on behalf of Themba Maluleke, a valued member of our Petit Forestier UK family, who is going through an unimaginable personal crisis.

Themba joined Petit Forestier UK on 10th December 2024 as an HGV Mechanic at our Bristol 108 Depot, recruited through the International Skilled Worker Visa Scheme. It was a brave and selfless decision—one that meant leaving behind his beloved wife Nikeziwe and their young daughter Enelo in South Africa, in pursuit of a better future for them all.

Their dream was simple but powerful: Themba would work hard in the UK, save diligently, and in time reunite with his family by bringing them over. He has already been setting aside funds for their visas—that would cost £7,000 in total—to begin a new chapter together in the UK.

But that dream has been painfully interrupted.

In early June 2025, Nikeziwe suddenly fell ill—experiencing severe vision problems, intense headaches, and episodes of disorientation. She was taken to Tshepo Themba Private Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg, where doctors have now raised serious concerns that she may be suffering from brain cancer.

To move forward with essential tests like an MRI scan and further diagnostics, the family must turn to private care, as South Africa’s public hospitals face delays of up to 6 to 12 months. The private treatment costs are staggering—over £6,000—and way beyond what Themba can manage alone.

Already, he has used over £2,000 of his savings—money intended for their family visa applications—to cover the initial hospital bills. He now finds himself in a heart breaking position: living 8,000 miles away, unable to be with his wife and daughter when they need him most, and struggling to fund the urgent medical care that could save his wife’s life.

We are calling on you—his colleagues, friends, and compassionate members of the public—to help Themba in his hour of need. The funds raised will go toward:

Urgent MRI and diagnostic tests for Nikeziwe

Initial treatment and hospital costs

Flights for Themba to travel home and be by his wife’s side

Support for their daughter, Enelo, during this crisis

We ask you to pause and imagine: what would you do if the person you love most was sick, and you were an ocean away, with no way to help?

Themba has been a loyal, hardworking member of our team. He has never asked for anything—until now.

Please give what you can. Even the smallest donation can bring him one step closer to being with his family, and one step closer to saving his wife’s life.

Thank you for your compassion, your kindness, and your support.