Block H community comes together to rebuild home guttered by fire
“We wanted to restore the dignity of the family by rebuilding their house through funds that have been put together by us."
In the spirit of Nelson Mandela Day, Soshanguve Block H residents came together on Monday to rebuild a home gutted by a fire almost three months ago.
The fire allegedly started on a municipal electricity pole behind the home where the family stored the tyres it sold for a living, said Boy Sibanda.
Sibanda said they were sleeping only to be awoken by the neighbours screaming that their house was on fire.
By then, the flames were so bad that they could not salvage anything but flee the house for their lives.
“I heard screams that there was a fire, when I looked outside, I saw the wooden electricity pole burning.”
He said he could not even save his only source of income.
“I tried to run outside to remove the tyres but it was too late.”
The family lost everything including personal documents, school uniforms, clothes and other things.
Community member Sammy Mathonsi said the community saw it fit that they join hands to assist the family as their only income is government grants.
“We wanted to restore the family’s dignity by rebuilding their house through funds that have been put together by us and other stakeholders in Soshanguve. A community member who owns a construction company volunteered to help us build.”
Mathonsi said it is not right to see a family of eleven not having a place to sleep during the winter.
“Everyone is welcome to come on board to assist the family because it is painful that we can go to our houses to sleep but we do not know where they go to sleep at the end of the day.
“We want to appeal to everyone including businesses to bring anything from cement, bricks or any building material that you are not using so that we can be able to assist the family. We want to see this house complete so they can go back to their home.”
Mathonsi said because they do not have funds, they cannot say when they will complete the reconstruction.
“We have opened a trust fund for anyone who would like to donate so we can buy what is needed.”
Family member Lucky Mahlasela said anyone is welcome to donate whatever they can.
Speaking to Rekord on Monday morning, Mahlasela said they have received building sand, cement, concrete and bricks.
“We are just hoping that during the day, people will come and donate other things.”
Mahlasela said his parents have been strong and the community has helped them a lot.
“The community is trying to help us rebuild our house. Life is no longer the same as before, we are struggling here and there but through the help of the community, we can push day to day.”
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