I grew up in a humble four-roomed house, roofed with asbestos tiles—never knowing that this invisible danger would one day devastate our entire family. In 2018, my sister began experiencing severe symptoms. Despite medical visits and immune boosters, her health declined rapidly. In July 2020, after being misdiagnosed multiple times and struggling to access proper care, she was finally told she had lung cancer. Two days later, she passed away. I couldn’t even return home to bury her—COVID restrictions kept me thousands of kilometers away.

Just over a year later, on 26 December 2021, I lost my mother. She too had been coughing and struggling to breathe. The official cause was labeled COVID-19, but we now know the truth—she was exposed to the same asbestos that killed my sister. Our family’s suffering didn’t end there. My brother, who was raised by my mother, was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and while I was still mourning, I began feeling unwell myself—bloated, short of breath, and unable to sing or walk as I once did. Eventually, I was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, just like my mother and sister.

A Journey Through the Storm

Thanks to a miracle—and the care of Professor Ilhan Inci, a leading mesothelioma specialist—I underwent surgery in Switzerland to remove the cancer. It had spread to my diaphragm and abdomen. The operation lasted 8 hours, followed by 4 days in ICU and months of painful recovery. But I survived. I am cancer-free. This second chance at life is not just mine to live—it’s mine to share. To fight for others. To give a voice to the many South Africans unknowingly living with this terminal illness.

Why We Exist

South Africa is home to one of the largest asbestos legacies in the world. For over a century, international corporations mined asbestos here—knowing its dangers but continuing for profit. As a result, our country is now facing a mesothelioma epidemic. The worst part? Most South Africans don’t even know what mesothelioma is. Nearly 1,000 abandoned asbestos mines still exist across the country. Schools, homes, and public buildings are still built with asbestos materials. Many patients are misdiagnosed with tuberculosis. There is only one known mesothelioma organization in all of South Africa. That’s where the Montlafi Raeber Foundation comes in.

Our Mission

Raise Awareness of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure in South African communities. Empower Families with education, early detection tools, and support resources. Advocate for Policy Change and accountability from companies and government. Support Survivors and Patients through access to specialist care and emotional healing. We focus especially on women, children, and families, who are too often the silent victims—exposed through contaminated homes, schools, clothing, and work environments.

You Can Help

This foundation is in its early stages, but our purpose is clear and urgent. We are gathering stories, conducting research, and building partnerships with survivors, doctors, and communities across the country—and the world. We invite you to stand with us. Share our story. Spread the word. Donate. Volunteer. Speak out. No family should ever go through what mine has endured.

I want to thank those who carried me through the darkest chapters of my life: My beloved husband, for your strength and surprise birthday celebration. Judy Neuenschwander, for daily hospital visits. Boitumelo, Meggy, Phemelo, and so many more—for caring, cooking, and showing up. My band, for holding space until I could sing again. In Gratitude Professor Ilhan, for saving my life. Every friend, supporter, and believer—this foundation is built on your love.