Mangondi family appeals for help after fire destroys home
A Mangondi family has been left with nothing after a fire destroyed their home in the Thulamela area, and they are now appealing to the community for help to rebuild their lives.
LIMPOPO – The community of Mangondi village in the Thulamela area is still reeling after a fire destroyed the Nematandani family’s home on the evening of October 28.
At the time of the incident, community members contacted the Gabriel Ramushwana unit of the Thulamela Fire Brigade, which responded promptly. By the time firefighters arrived, however, the fire had already caused extensive damage. The cause of the blaze remains unknown.
Family left with nothing
The family has been left with almost nothing apart from the clothes they were wearing when the fire broke out.
They are appealling to the community and well-wishers for assistance with food, clothing, furniture, household utensils and building materials to help rebuild their home.
Homeowner Mulalo Nematandani said she could hardly believe what she was seeing when she found her house engulfed in flames. “I felt like I was dreaming as I watched helplessly,” she said.
She appealed to good Samaritans to assist her family during this difficult time.
“All I want is to have a roof over my head.
“What have I done to deserve this? This is the type of disaster we usually see on television, happening far away from us. This time, it happened to our own family. Luckily, no one was injured, and we have only God to thank for protecting us.”
Among the items destroyed were a refrigerator, kitchen unit, beds, clothing, television, money, identity documents, food and other furniture. Almost everything inside the house was reduced to ashes, while the fire also damaged the roof and walls.
Nematandani estimates the property damage at more than R250 000.
Community urged to lend a hand
Resident Samuel Dzivhani urged the family to remain strong and come to terms with what had happened.
“This is a time for unity as we encourage the family to move forward with their lives. Let us put everything in God’s hands because He is the only one who knows what to do,” he said.
Dzivhani acknowledged that rebuilding their lives would not be easy, as the family had accumulated their belongings over many years and would struggle to replace them. “They will need the support of the community,” he said.
Anyone who wishes to assist the family can contact Nematandani on 084 543 7544.
