Granny and child’s narrow fiery escape

An 80-year-old granny, Joana Nzimande, who is also sick, miraculously escaped injury when her newly built RDP house burnt down in Extension 19 ( Mbalenhle Village) near Lindelani last week.
According to Housing Steering Committee members, Mbali Shabangu and Mthobisi Mhlungu, they were contacted by one of Mrs Nzimande’s relatives, Busi Ndlela, who told them the house ‘was in flames’.
Mrs Shabangu said they were told the fire started when a child tried to light a candle.
The family lost everything including their food, clothing and identity documents.
Endumeni Speaker, S’duduzo Mdluli, who was accompanied by Mayor Thulani Mahaye, when they visited the remains of the house were concerned that there was no electricity in the house – hence the need to light candles.
Speaker Mdluli said they (the Council) ‘will make sure that the issue of supplying electricity to the newly built homes is addressed’.
Mayor Mahaye also emphasised that they are not happy about the pace at which the RDP houses are being built.
Mazcon, the building contractors, have repeatedly stated that rampant vandalism is slowing down the project with windows frames and glass being constantly stolen.
Mazcon said their builders monitored the condition of the burnt house to ensure that the roof did not collapse completely.
The Courier contacted Charlies Super Spar to request assistance. Groceries amounting to about R800 were donated to the family.
Blankets were donated with the help of Mayor Mahaye and Speaker Mdluli, through the Endumeni Disaster Management office. Another businessman, Vireshen Naidoo, owner of The Lan in Dundee, donated a bed and the windows that were installed.
The Department of Social Development was also contacted for further assistance.