Tsakane – It has been eight months since Gogo Shadi Matlala’s house caught alight and very little has been done to restore it.
“I will never forget that day.
“It is still fresh in my mind,” she says.
Gogo Shadi (78) recalls how they woke up to rooms filled with smoke on March 10.
When African Reporter arrived on the scene that day, she was visibly traumatised.
The fire, which they suspect started in one of the bedrooms, damaged almost half her house.
“The roof on two of the bedrooms and the dining room were reduced to ashes.”
For months the house has remained in that state because the pensioner cannot afford to fix it herself.
“The winter cold was bitter, and every time there were heavy winds, I thought the rest of the roof would collapse.”
Gogo Shadi says the rains have caused water damage to the ceiling.
“I am grateful for the help we received after the incident.”
She says representatives from the metro helped her finalise the paperwork to transfer ownership of the house to her.
The house, which belonged to her parents, had not been registered in her name.
Even though inspectors from the metro were sent to assess the damage, not much has been done since.
“Now I am just worried about the fireworks in December.
“I feel like we are outside even when we are in the house, because they can easily fall in through this hole.”
Gogo Shadi lives with her 89-year-old sister and three minors.
She appeals to the metro, private companies and individuals to help her fix her house in time for Christmas.
