He never turned a blind eye, now he is the hero

It is an initiative that gives recognition to the unsung heroes in different communities and on Wednesday 27 September, Robert Sadiki of Weltevreden Park was announced as Lead SA Hero of the Month.

“This is the first Lead SA Hero of the Month for the new 2014/2015 season,” explained Yusuf Abramjee, Lead SA executive.

Sadiki received the award in recognition of the active citizenry role he played when he saved a three-year-old girl from allegedly being beaten to death by her father.

For him (Sadiki) this was a very emotional day as he cannot remove the picture of how badly injured the little girl was.

“Ever since that day, I have not been eating properly,” said the emotional Sadiki, who still has some evidence of shock.

“I don’t understand how a father can harm an innocent young child. Children deserve to be loved and taken care of and not abused,” he said, in reference to his own life.

“I have a daughter who is eight years old and when she asks for something and I don’t have the money to provide that, I always ask my boss for assistance.”

A humble, responsible and respectful young man is how his employer Luis Vassilio described him.

“Robert has been working for the family since he was 17 years old,” said Vassilio.

He added that Sadiki loved children a lot.

“When he is around, he always volunteers to fetch the grandchildren from school and he also value spending time with his daughter.”

Multi-skilled Sadiki does general work at the Vassilio home in Weltevreden Park and is also a motor cart mechanic in Kyalami.

Lead SA is a Primedia initiative supported by Independent Neswpapers. The initiative encourages South Africans to make a difference in their communities by being actively involved.

Pupils from Swan Preparatory School provided entertainment to those in attendance. They also used the opportunity to hand Sadiki cash for the heroic move he made when he saved the little girl.

Details: www.leadsa.co.za