It has been three months since the July 4 Slovo Park Phase Two explosion, and some people still have not managed to get back to their lives.

Among them is Isaac Khumalo (51), whose house was destroyed by the blast that damaged several other homes.

Speaking to the Springs Advertiser, Khumalo said that it has been difficult for him to rebuild because of the costs.

The explosion happened at his home, where he said that the tenants, who were the zama zamas, had left their illegal bombs. He stated that he did not know that there were illegal miners.

Khumalo has been a resident of Phase Two since 1999. His family lives in Tzaneen, Limpopo. He said that after losing his home, he had to move in with a friend. He added that now his only wish is that he can have his house, even if it is a shack.

“I have been trying to save for materials to get a shack,” said Khumalo.

Khumalo recalled the day of the explosion as one that changed his life forever.

“I was outside doing laundry when I heard the loud blast and neighbours screaming, including one of the tenants who said that something was burning,” he said.

He also said that after the explosion, he lost everything. Only the foundation of his former home remains.

Khumalo expressed that there has been a lack of help from the area’s ward councillor and the City of Ekurhuleni.

“They promised to help us rebuild. The second time, they bought some food parcels and since then, they have not been back,” said Khumalo.

Khumalo shared that he said to his employee, Alta Saunders, that he cannot stay at his friend’s home much longer.

He works for Saunder’s son in Casseldale three to four days a week. Saunders told the publication that they intend to share some of their old furniture with him but are worried about where he will store it considering his current living condition.

“I am worried about him. He has worked for us for 15 years, and he has been complaining about the lack of help from the metro,” said Saunders.

Ward councillor Charmaine Kock told the publication that the City of Ekurhuleni failed in helping the people in Slovo Park restore their lives. She shared that the area was declared a national disaster.

“Nothing has been done by the metro because we are told that they are waiting for something, and when we reach out again, they are waiting for another thing, and it is frustrating.”

A comment was requested from the CoE on October 13, but none was received at the time of publication.

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