April 19 marks exactly three years since a devastating fire reduced Rabie Ridge resident Sipho Marumo’s home to ashes and, with it, the life he once knew.

Today, the 251 Tuinfluiter Street resident is still trying to pick up the pieces, living in a fragile makeshift shelter assembled from discarded materials, while appealing to the community for help to rebuild both his home and his future.

Marumo lost everything in the blaze: furniture, clothing, couches, and even his identity document, when his three-room house was gutted while he was away. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Read more: Hijackers take money from businesses in Crowthorne JPC property

Years later, little has changed. Exposed to the elements, his temporary structure offers little protection against harsh weather conditions. “When it rains, water comes inside because the shack is not properly built. I do not live the way I used to live,” said Marumo.

Unemployed and without basic documentation, he said the situation had taken a heavy toll on his mental health. He also admitted that his living conditions have contributed to ongoing struggles with substance abuse.

“I am willing to quit drugs, but sometimes it starts with the conditions you are living in…I have lost hope. I do not even know how the community can help me anymore.”

The house, he explained, was left to him by his late parents, who passed away years apart, leaving him without a stable support system.

His uncle, Lawrence Kgomo, has stepped in as his primary support but said the burden had been emotionally and financially overwhelming. “It affects me deeply because Sipho does not have parents. I cannot leave him like this and go back to my home while he is suffering,” said Kgomo.

Also unemployed, Kgomo said he felt helpless in the face of his nephew’s circumstances. “For three years, this boy has had nothing. No proper food, no clothes, no decent shelter. What he is living in is not even a proper shack, just pieces we put together.

Also read: Rabie Ridge resident pleads for help to rebuild home and turn his life around

“If people can help rebuild the house, even one brick at a time, it will make a difference. He also needs help to go to rehabilitation…”

Neighbours said that while the community had tried to offer support, the scale of Marumo’s challenges required broader intervention. Resident Jasmine Wilson believes rehabilitation is key to helping him regain stability, adding that his safety remains a concern, particularly during rainy weather when his shelter becomes even more vulnerable.

Another neighbour, George Henry, who was among those who responded to the fire, said repeated attempts to secure assistance from authorities have yielded no results. “In terms of support, this guy has got nothing. I do not want to lie,” said Henry.

He explained that applications had been made to government departments, including Sassa and the Department of Human Settlements, in hopes of securing relief or housing assistance.

@caxtonjoburgnorth Years after a fire destroyed his house, Sipho Marumo is still trying to survive in unsafe and heartbreaking conditions. Video: Comfort Makhanya #caxtonlocalmedia #johannesburg #newsupdate #Communitynews #2026 #Localnews #Midrand ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

“The councillor came after the fire, but there were no follow-ups. Nothing happened. The house just continued to deteriorate,” he said.

“This is an old case now, but it is a human being’s life…I see his condition every day; it has become a serious problem.”

Henry concluded that any assistance, including building materials, clothing, food parcels, bedding, or access to rehabilitation services, could help Marumo begin rebuilding his life.

Those willing to assist can contact George Henry on 071 318 0146.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!