Ga-Madiba familly loses all belongings in shack fire

MOKOPANE – The Baloyi family of Ga-Madiba watched in anguish as their two-room shack burned to ashes within minutes last Wednesday.

A spokesperson for the family, Malesa Mashiloane, said the fire started just after load-shedding at about 19:00. The family of three was able to get out of the shack in time and no one was injured.

Community members banded together and rushed to the scene in an effort to put out the flames, but to no avail.

Mashiloane confirmed that the family currently stays with another family member, but their need is pressing.

“We lost everything we owned,” they confirmed.

Mashiloane said that the family’s immediate needs include blankets, clothes and food.

He also stated that the Mogalakwena Municipality has committed to help the family by building a permanent shelter for them as well.

“Community members donated building materials for the construction of a one-room permanent shelter and came out in their numbers to help build the shelter. No one asked any labour fees for the hours they spent helping the family.”

A delegation of ACN leaders from the Waterberg Region, alongside the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco), visited the family to offer their support.

“The ANC in the Waterberg region also donated building materials.”

Ward 24 counsellor Glen Selemela visited the property and conveyed a word of encouragement to the family in an attempt to lighten their burden.

“We are doing everything in our power to assist this family.”

He added that there are good Samaritans who donated the needed building materials and thanked them, as well as the volunteers who are working to set up a permanent shelter for the family.

“I cannot provide answers as to when the shelter will be finished, as the natural elements are against us,” he said, referring to the recent rains.

The family is thankful to all of the residents and external stakeholders who offered their support during this trying time.