Little Falls community rallies in support of family whose home was destroyed by fire
No injuries in Lisbon Avenue house fire but nothing remains of the family's possessions
The opening of hearts has helped a family begin putting back together what little pieces remain of their home.
A fire tore through the Nkuna-Segopa family’s home on Friday, March 10, turning the contents of the house into melted memories from a flourishing life. The family of four have since faced a despondent few weeks but community members have jumped at the chance to soften the blow.
The fire began at roughly 15:30 that Friday afternoon and quickly moved through the structure. Gabi Segopa was home alone as her two children, a teenage girl and a two-year-old boy were with family and her husband was away for work. As the fire ripped through her home, Gabi became disoriented, running back into the house to try to find her car keys.
“The last thing I remember was falling on the steps in tears,” said Gabi, who has since been living with family in Soweto.
Residents quickly began to gather in Lisbon Avenue with some noticing the blaze from their homes. Tshepang Mtshemla lives a few houses away and described seeing black smoke bellowing outside her window.
“I immediately jumped in my car and drove to the house. I just saw a woman crying desperately for help,” said Tshepang.
Having introduced herself to her distraught neighbour in the subsequent days, Tshepang has since set up a Backabuddy campaign to assist Gabi.
The clean-up operation began shortly after but eager efforts were slowed by a still smouldering structure. Neighbours noted roof tiles too hot to pick as well as having to use a pick-axe to dislodge a pile of melted clothing from the charred floor. The bath in the main bathroom melted, roof trusses turned to ash and all the family’s clothing was destroyed, including the school uniform and school books of Gabi’s 16-year-old daughter.
Assistance has come from multiple avenues, including the residents association, a prominent private security company and fundraising campaigns from neighbours. A kennel stay for the family’s dog has been arranged as well as the Clickndonate campaign while neighbours have donated labour to clean the house and prep for the rebuild. Coordinated by LIFCO and BCI Security, residents have donated appliances, clothing, kitchen utensils and household items as well as R6 500 which will be topped up to R10 000 by LIFCO.
“The residents have been marvellous with their support and how they have reacted to help Gabi and the family,” said LIFCO’s Helene de Villiers. Community member Helen McDonald has been shuttling items to the Lisbon Avenue family and providing emotional support.
“BCI and I share the same ethos in assisting a community in need. They have been more than a security company. The family is in great need of love and support and we have no greater desire than to give back to the community,” said Helen.
Still unsure of how the fire may have started, the desolate aftermath has been traumatic for Gabi as the sight of the ruins of her home brings nothing but agony. Despite the pain of the tragedy, the goodwill of those around her has shown her the heart of the community.
“This community saved my life. They have supported us daily. Right now and every day I am wearing the community’s clothes. They have been God’s presence in human form,” sobbed Gabi.
The long process of recovery will be done brick by brick but a willing community will hold the family’s hand every step of the way.
Sharing her now inseparable bond with her community, Gabi said through teary eyes, “Even if I wanted to leave because of bad memories, I couldn’t because of the love shown by my neighbours. There is nowhere better than this”.
