Farewell to Michael a volunteer who really changed his life
It is with a mixture of sadness and joyous reflection that we announce the death of
Michael O’Flaherty.
Michael volunteered with us in 2008 – he was a journalist and he volunteered to work in a township school in Port Elizabeth and he went to work at Emafini School .
During his time in PE he met and fell in love with Bheki.
At the time we received many emails – the majority wishing Michael all the very best but some questioning the ethics of a volunteer starting a relationship with a member of the community they travelled to serve.
Our reply was that both were adults – Bheki was and still is an independent professional woman – living in a challenging environment yes – but every bit the independeent woman.
Michael and Bheki thumbed thier noses to all – against the stero type Michael went to live with Bheki in the township and here is an excerpt from one of the last pieces he wrote.
“Everything is fine for me here, I’m really enjoying this new life. It is a wonderful new life, hope arising amid the miasma of poverty.”
Michael had been ill for some time and those of us that know how important his new life in South Africa was to him are pleased that he was able to get “home” in time to end his days with Bheki whom he loved very much.
Our thoughts are with Bheki at this time.