A ROCK OF RUSTENBURG NEEDS OUR HELP
Martha Lerm’s Fight for a Future
Rustenburg – For three decades, Martha Lerm has been a part of the Rustenburg community, dedicating her time, effort, and heart to improving the lives of those around her. Now, she faces one of the toughest battles of her life — a brain tumour that threatens her vision, health, and future. This selfless community champion, a former DA councillor and tireless advocate for service delivery, needs our help.
A life of service
Martha (40) has lived in Rustenburg for most of her life. Her journey started in Vredefort, Free State, where she spent her early years before moving back to Rustenburg in 1995. She attended Hoërskool Grenswag and later pursued her passion for sewing.
In 2016, Martha turned her focus to municipal service delivery, stepping in where authorities failed. She took action, closing open water pipe holes left unattended by the municipality, creating WhatsApp groups to assist with service delivery issues, and liaising with the Rustenburg Local Municipality (RLM) on power, water, and sewage concerns. These groups still exist and are now managed by current councillors, but Martha remains active, forwarding issues and offering support.
Her dedication extended beyond infrastructure. During COVID-19, she spearheaded food parcel distributions to struggling families and used her networks to promote small businesses and handmade products, a service she continues today.
A loving family and a creative spirit
Martha has been married to her husband, Gerrie, for 15 years, and they have been together for 20. They share a 13-year-old daughter, Mia. A talented seamstress and creative spirit, Martha enjoys crocheting, knitting, and sewing — crafting baby mobile toys and other handmade treasures.
The devastating diagnosis
On 20 November 2024, an optometrist referred Martha for tests after she experienced significant vision loss and paralysis in one of her eyes. A CT scan revealed a tumour measuring 4cm x 3cm x 3.5cm.
By 25 November, doctors confirmed the likelihood of a meningioma brain tumour. While most meningiomas are benign, the effects of Martha’s tumour are severe, causing swelling in the brain and pressing against her eye muscle, leading to constant pain and the rapid deterioration of her sight.
Emotionally and physically, the impact has been overwhelming. The tumour’s location affects the hypothalamus, which controls emotions, hormones, and the thyroid, resulting in further health complications. The pain is often unbearable, and everyday tasks, including her seamstress work, have become increasingly difficult.
Despite these challenges, Martha remains hopeful. “There is still so much I want to do. I want to see my daughter grow up, make her wedding dress, and one day knit sweaters for her children. My life’s storybook is not finished yet,” she says with determination.
The cost of hope
Martha’s medical expenses are daunting. Her Old Mutual policy does not cover this type of brain tumour, and the costs already stand at R487,000 — covering hospital fees and MRIs, with additional expenses for the neurosurgeon’s quotation still pending.
The Rustenburg community has rallied around her, with businesses stepping up to donate a portion of their sales towards her treatment. Companies such as D’Cuteness Leather and Baby, The Biltong Butcher, One Stop Workshop, CS Photography, Mon Cheri LaBeauty and Nails, Barnwood Builders, Reborn by Sons, and Kairos Unique Printing are among those contributing. A special raffle group has also been established, with prizes donated by local businesses and individuals.
How you can help
Martha has given so much to Rustenburg — now, it’s our turn to support her. If you would like to contribute towards her surgery, you can contact her directly on 079 110 2087 or donate via her BackaBuddy campaign: www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/martha-lerm-tumor-operation
Martha has spent years being a pillar of strength for Rustenburg. Now, she needs our support to continue her journey. Let’s stand together and help her write the next chapter of her life.
