New house for eSikhaleni fire victim
The 72-year-old man lost his home and all his belongings in a house fire last month
A PARTNERSHIP between the Dube Tribal Authority and Ithembalabantu Community Project has brought a smile to an elderly man’s face who lost his house and all his belongings in a fire last month.
They handed over a house to the victim, Jeremiah Mdluli (72), of Umkhobosa Reserve near eSikhaleni on Monday.
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Founder of the Ithembalabantu Community Project, Nkosikhona Mkhize, said he was informed that Mdluli’s house was on fire in the early hours on Saturday, 30 May, and when he went to investigate, the house was completely destroyed.
‘I reported the incident to the executive members of my organisation. We agreed to engage with community members to ask for donations so that we could build a new house for him,’ Mkhize said.
‘The response was very positive. The community donated building material such as the blocks, cement and roof material. We started rebuilding the house on the same day and it took us five days to complete.
‘But once the house was completed, they realised Mdluli had no furniture.
‘We went back to the community to ask for more donations so we could buy him a new bed and other necessary household items.
‘Once more the community showed their generosity and we managed to raise enough funds to buy him a TV set, electric stove, groceries, blankets, clothes, a bed and linen,’ said Mkhize.
‘The Ithembalabantu Community Project would like to express its gratitude to Inkosi Mfanazonke Dube, Induna Edward Mkhize, Cllr Thamisanqa Phahla and the entire community for their support.
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Speaking on behalf of the Dube Traditional Council, Jabulani Mtshali said Inkosi Dube was impressed by the work of the Ithembalabantu Community Project.
‘They take care of the elderly and orphans. They have been interacting with the tribal authority, updating us about the progress on the construction of the house and other things they required to complete the project.
‘The council took a resolution to support the organisation financially so that it could continue to help the needy,’ said Mtshali.
‘They have been using their own money to help the community, but we agreed to engage with local businesses so that they can also contribute financially to this NPO.’
Mdluli thanked everyone who helped him to have his dignity restored by contributing towards rebuilding his house.
‘I’m grateful to be surrounded by sympathetic people, including a generous Inkosi Dube who proved that he is a good leader,’ said Mdluli.
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