Fourways community rallies around family after they lose everything in house fire
The Roué family lost their Pretoria home to a devastating fire on September 26, suffering R5m in damages. Christophe, Dr Nathalie, and their two children, who are integral parts of the Dainfern College music family, and other local community projects, now face trauma and the task of rebuilding their lives.
The Fourways community is rallying around a well-known and beloved family within the Dainfern College community, the Roués, after a devastating fire ravaged their Pretoria home, leaving them shattered and homeless.
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As integral members of the Dainfern College music family for almost two decades, and involved in various community projects, Christophe, Dr Nathalie, and their two children have been a vital part of Fourways’ fabric.
On September 26, tragedy struck when their home was reduced to ashes, claiming every possession, memory, and shred of security. The estimated loss of R5m is staggering, but the emotional toll is even more immeasurable.
Christophe’s recollection of that fateful day is a memory he said he would never forget.
Speaking as if it had just happened, he said he was teaching when a neighbor called, “saying my home is up in flames. I rushed to the scene, but it was too late. We are still finding ways to deal with the trauma.
“We’ve lost everything. We need counselling for the kids. We were forced to relocate and now live in an empty two-bedroom apartment in Broadacres. This is for us to be close to work and for the kids to be closer to school as well. Besides that, the Fourways community have been amazing to us because we got to meet them through our work. We need to start from scratch – beds, fridge, everything.”
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As the Roué family struggles to come to terms with their loss, they’re determined to stay strong for their children.
“We want to show them that everything is under control; that they shouldn’t worry too much about it. We don’t know where to start but we will figure it out.”
Joanna Pettitt, Dainfern College’s communication and compliance manager, posted a heartfelt appeal on social media, urging people to help the family rebuild.
The road to recovery will be long and hard, but the Roué family’s resilience, and the support from the community, will help them rise from the ashes.
“The people of Fourways have been donating valuable items to help us. Our colleagues at Dainfern College have also been kind to us by offering a helping hand. We are able to eat and sleep through their help.”
Christophe said the cause of the fire is not yet known and still under investigation. To donate to the family please call Christophe on 072 240 3337, or email Joanna Pettitt at jpettitt@dainferncollege.co.za for more details.
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