Pensioner and widow (77) left homeless after house fire
A devastating fire has destroyed the home of pensioner and widow Mirriam Sithole, who had lived there for over 50 years. She now needs the community's support to rebuild her life in Mohlakeng.
Mirriam Sithole (77) is appealing for assistance to rebuild the home she lived in for more than 50 years, after it burnt down overnight.
In 1973, Mirriam and her husband moved into the house at 1185 Mampondo Street in Mohlakeng, where they raised three sons. Although her husband and two of her sons have since passed away, Mirriam continued to live a peaceful life in her home – until a fire changed everything.
In the early hours of November 18, 2022, Mirriam was asleep when she was abruptly woken by the smell of smoke.
Her house was on fire. Neighbours rushed to help, using buckets of water in an attempt to douse the growing flames.
As residents tried to contain the fire, Mirriam was still trapped inside. A man forced his way to her bedroom window, bent the burglar bars, and helped her escape. Standing barefoot in her pyjamas on the street, she could only watch helplessly as her home burnt to the ground. She was later taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. Everything she owned was lost in the fire.
Mirriam now survives on a South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grant and cannot afford to rebuild the home. On November 28, 2022, the West Rand District Municipality’s Public Safety Disaster Management unit sent a letter to Sassa requesting assistance. The letter confirmed that officials were dispatched to the scene, where the seven-room house was found destroyed, along with Mirriam’s documents. Blankets were donated to provide some immediate relief.
In October last year, Rand West City Local Municipality issued a letter of endorsement, supporting a fundraiser to help Mirriam.
Nearly three years later, Mirriam remains homeless. Speaking to the Randfontein Herald, she said she is currently staying with friends and family.
“To live with other people is very uncomfortable. For years, my husband and I worked to make this house a home. Just before the fire, I redecorated the kitchen and put in new tiles. Now, only the memories remain,” she said.
She is now asking the community to help restore what she once called home.
Anyone who can assist is urged to contact Mirriam on 072 505 3556.
