Eight young children have been left motherless after Ntombikayise Nxumalo (45) died in hospital four days after her shack was gutted in a fire.

It is believed that a candle fell over while the family was asleep in their humble home at Matshotshombeni, Sithembile, Glencoe.

The eight children managed to survive but Ntombikayise suffered severe burns.  She died on Wednesday.  The children lost all their belongings – including identity documents and school uniforms and books in the fire.  Glencoe Social Development office donated a R500 voucher for food and the Dundee Crisis Centre passed on clothing and food.

Mthiya Funeral Services in Glencoe are to assist with the burial of Ntombikayise on Saturday.

Endumeni’s Disaster Management offices has provided blankets and sponges to the children.  Anyone wishing to assist can contact Councillor Lungile Mbhele at 083 5711 413.

Neighbours assisted by cooking food for the siblings this morning: