DA Party Representative Councillor Victor Mhlari immediately called an ambulance and the fire brigade when a shack caught alight with a man inside late in December in the Mshengoville informal settlement, Munsieville.

Mhlari responded after he had been alerted by the community.

The ambulance transported the patient to hospital while the community helped the family extinguish the fire. Unfortunately George Tlhabane passed away two days later in the Leratong Hospital.

The Tlhabane family did not have the means to bury their loved one, so they asked the DA Councillor to help.

Mhlari advised the family to apply for a municipal indigent burial. He assisted with the application.

A social worker also provided support. Owing to the Christmas break, the funeral did not take place until 8 January 2014.

“I spoke to Valerie Malilaka from Social Development, she committed herself to working with me to help the family. The community united and donated groceries and money to help the family with refreshments after the funeral. I funded the transport to take people to and from the cemetery.

“Tlhabane was laid to rest in a dignified funeral because of the love showed by the community. It was very well attended,” explained Mhlari.

“As a councillor I would like to send my warmest and sincerest thanks to all members of the community, particularly the Mshengoville informal settlement and committee members, Josias Sedumedi, Thekiso Mohlobodi and Bafedile Tsubane-Maleho and Valerie Malilaka.

“Your contribution and support was of the highest standard. Your donations and attendance are greatly appreciated. You have made my work easier. My appeal to you is that it must not end here; we must continue to show Ubuntu to everyone as we work in our area. Thank you.”