Fire victim appeals for help

PRINCESS Mbatha has no idea where she will rest her head from one night to the next.

Since her home in Shoba was gutted in a fire two weeks ago, she has had to depend on the kindness of friends for a roof over her head and food for her children.

“I had returned home from my job as a domestic helper and placed a pot of water on the paraffin stove. Then, I went to fetch my youngest child from the neighbour for a bath,” said Princess, recalling the events that led to the blaze. “When I got back home with my child, the house was on fire. The neighbours did what they could to put the fire out but it was too late. We lost everything, even our food and clothes.”

She continued, “My husband and our four children lived in the house and luckily no-one was hurt. People from Disaster Management gave us three blankets and promised to return with food but never did.”

Princess says she and her family now have to start their lives again from scratch and are appealing to members of the community to assist with household items, food and clothing.

“Please help us,” she concluded. “My husband is unemployed. He used to work as a gardener but the people he worked for moved to Johannesburg. Now, he stands in the queue in town every day hoping someone will choose him for construction work or even gardening. While he battles to find work, it is only me who is providing for the family.”

Residents who wish to assist Princess can contact her on 063 092 2545.