The Freeman Brotherhood Movement brothers unite to refurbish a burnt house of a poet and performer Thabo ‘Flo’ Mokale, in Katlehong, on June 7.

The house of Mokale who is known to wear many caps in the art, entertainment and sport industries was engulfed by a fire in April this year.

He said he suffered a huge blow when a fire engulfed his home and burnt all his belongings.

“I lost my clothes, photography equipment, and netball kit for my netball team, including my valuable stuff.  Ever since the fire incident the Freeman Brotherhood Movement members have been doing everything in their power to help me to build from scratch.

“They donated clothes, money and to a large extent they offered me emotional support. Today they have come to renovate my burnt home and I’m overwhelmed with mixed feelings,” expressed Mokale.

He said he appreciates what they are doing for him, because without their assistance he would’ve not bounced back from his state of depression.

“Since the incident happened I have been depressed, but my brothers and peers from the Freeman Brotherhood Movement have helped me to overcome it.

“Before the fire incident there was a burglary that happened at my home and some of my valuables were stolen, and as I was trying to pick up the pieces the fire incident happened. However the Freeman Brotherhood Movement members have been the pillar of my strength,” Mokale explained.

He mentioned that what they are doing for him means a lot and he hopes they will continue helping others.

“I’m happy that they will be refurbishing my house today,” Mokale added.

The co-founder of Freeman Brotherhood Movement Sayitsheni Mdakhi said they came to assist their brother who was affected by a fire.

“The movement was formed in 2014 by three close friends who saw that there’s a need for mental health support structures, especially among men as they are neglected by the society.

“The word ‘freeman’ was deliberately made to be in a singular form in the name of the movement because the organisation is made-up by different men who unite for a good course. We also established the movement to assist men who are affected by any unforeseen disasters,” shared Mdakhi.

He mentioned that the movement was also inspired by his cousin ‘Freeman’ who did great philanthropic work in Soweto.

“With the movement I’m continuing were he left of. I took the baton from him because he was empowering and uplifting the community members.

“I’m keeping my cousin’s spirit alive through the programme ‘My brothers’ Keeper’ which is part of the Freeman Brotherhood Movement and we are here in Katlehong to help our brother Thabo who has experienced a few challenges in life. Every-time one of our brothers is in need we heed the call,” Mdaki explained.

Another member of the Freeman Brotherhood Movement Bongani Soko said they didn’t only come to help Mokale but to also celebrate him as an icon in the entertainment industry.

“We want to see how we can help him going forward even after refurbishing his house. Freeman Brotherhood Movement is about uplifting and empowering each other as brothers.

“The primary focus of the movement is to help any brother in need.”

He added that Mokale has contributed a lot in the entertainment industry yet he is underrated.

“I have known him for the past 20 years and he has been a consistent poet, performer, and photographer and a sport coach.

“He is also a selfless individual who enjoys doing philanthropic work in his community,”Soko expressed.