LIMPOPO – A devastating fire has left the Sebela family homeless after their seven-roomed house in Mandela, Zone E, Namakgale, was completely destroyed on the morning of Wednesday, May 21, at around 09:00.

With winter approaching, the family is urgently appealing to the public for donations of clothing, blankets, and school uniforms for one of the children.

Antoinette Sebela, a mother of two sons (22 and 16), said she was attending a church service when she received the devastating news that her home was engulfed in flames.

“I received a call that my house was on fire when I was at church. I rushed back only to find the house blazing. Community members tried to help before the firefighters arrived, but it was too late,” she recalled.

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

The fire consumed nearly everything the family owned, with Sebela estimating losses of furniture and household items to be worth over R50 000.

“I am in so much pain. It is very cold now. All we need is warm clothes and blankets. We would appreciate any form of assistance from the community,” she said.

In addition to the urgent need for basic items, Sebela is also pleading for a school uniform for her 16-year-old son, who wears size 28 trousers, a size 15-16 shirt, and size 8 shoes.

The Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality’s Disaster Management Unit also stepped in to provide temporary shelter and necessities to the family.

Sebela expressed her gratitude for their swift action but stressed that much more is needed for the family to rebuild their lives.

Anyone who wishes to assist the Sebela family can contact Antoinette Sebela directly at 079 631 5050.