Cape Town - In a show of Ubuntu, Town Two residents in Khayelitsha have opened their hearts and pockets to rebuild a house for a family who lost four loved ones, mostly children, in a devastating 2019 fire.
The house, in Hlomela Street, was completely gutted by a fire on May 21, allegedly as the result of a faulty electrical box.
Four family members, Twayisa Myathaza, 36, who was pregnant, and her children Nandile, 14, Lindokuhle, 5, and Linamandla, 3, were killed.
Myathaza’s 41-year-old brother, Thobela Maqungo, who was pulled from the blaze by neighbours, was left critically injured and destitute.
A community task team, together with residents, launched a crowdfunding campaign with the hopes of rebuilding the home and to restore the family’s dignity.
As Sunday marked the celebration of the life of one of South Africa’s most esteemed freedom fighters and founding president Nelson Mandela, the residents, joined by local councillor Patrick Mngxunyeni, spent their 67 minutes handing over keys and officially opening the home.
Eskom staff had visited the Myathaza house to repair the box twice prior to the incident, but an Eskom internal investigation found there was no evidence linking the utility to the incident.
Community leader and task team member Zukisani Kota said when Eskom refuted responsibility and did not assist the family, they knew something had to be done.
"A meeting was held after the tragic incident to engage about how we could be of assistance. We couldn’t just sit back while two young children who were sleeping at their aunt's house at the time and their uncle who survived did not have a place to call home.
“We approached councillor Mngxunyeni with the idea because there was money from the community trust which comes from facilities that are being rented out in the community.”
Kota said after an agreement was reached family members were approached and what was left of the gutted structure was demolished.
“We used builders from the community to get the quotations. Then the process started. This is not the first family but the third to be assisted in this way so it was not just done because it is Mandela Day. We try to practice this daily because we want to see our communities uplifted and improving. We can’t wait for the government to do everything for us.”
“We just saw it fitting to hand over the keys today because the day speaks to kindness and represents Ubuntu.”
Kota said they were hoping the public and the government would support them as the house needed furniture and to be painted.
Emotional family member Nomapha Khlaki said they were beyond grateful.
“We really don’t know how we could thank all the people who have supported the family. This is an emotional day for us, we appreciate the kindness and have run out of words. If it was not for these people a burnt structure would still be standing there. It has also encouraged us to try and pursue the case again. It would be the end of the road for the family in our pursuit for closure if police found that no one was to be blamed for the fire,” Khlaki said.
Mngxunyeni applauded the family and everyone that assisted them in the project.
Right2Know’s National Coordinator Axolile Notywala said: “This shows that our communities still believe and practice principles of Ubuntu despite people being failed by the government. This also shows we can build better societies if we are united, but this still doesn't take away the responsibility of the government and our leaders. I am hoping our leaders will assist in this initiative where there is still a need. All campaigns like this deserve to be supported with resources.”
To donate towards this initiative, contact Kota on 081 2769690 or Mngxunyeni on 078 672 2388.
Cape Times