Families left homeless after tornado
By the time night fell, the residents were faced with the harsh reality of homelessness and were forced to sit around a fire for the entire night.
A child-headed family with six siblings at Winnie Mandela Zone 10, lost their house in the tornado that devastated some parts of Tembisa on Tuesday last week.
The tornado took place at around 3.30pm on Tuesday and left several families in Winnie Mandela Zone 10 homeless.
By the time night fell, the residents were faced with the harsh reality of homelessness and were forced to sit around a fire for the entire night.
Ms Sharon Seokana (22) said they lost a spaza shop that used to put bread on the table for the family.
“We have lost everything, including backrooms that also provided a living. My parents died in 2006. We are orphans who depend on the spaza shop and back rooms,” said Ms Seokana.
Ms Seokana said she was shocked by the wind that nearly killed them while they were inside the house.
“We suffered minor injuries. It was just by the grace of God that we did not die. I tried to rescue the house and pushed hard against the door from opening but it was all for nothing. I saw the roof blown off and children were crying. I did not know what to do. I was scared,” said Ms Seokana.
Ms Seokana said they have no money to start rebuilding their home.
Other victims of the tornado, Ms Lavinia Marema, said her eight room house was blown away. She said they sat around the fire for the entire night because they were scared criminals would come and take their property.
“It is very tough and I cannot think straight. I have nothing to repair the damages,” said Ms Marema.
About three cars from the Marema yard were destroyed, including electricity cables and furniture.
The family members also suffered minor injuries.
A resident, Mr Lazarus Khambola who works at a taxi rank based at Phumulani Mall, said he saw a strange wind that swept through the mall.
“I thank God that I am still alive. From outside the mall, I found myself in one of the shops in the mall. I don’t understand how it all happened. While in the shop, the mall’s ceiling started falling down and the roof was blown away,” said Mr Khambola.
This incident saw Phumulani Mall’s roof blown off, cars damaged and a heavy truck that fell on its side outside the mall.
