A wooden storage known as a Wendy House, used to store beds and other belongings, reportedly burnt into ashes on September 26 at Nkosi’s Haven.
This comes after a blaze broke out in the afternoon burning down beds which are used by new intakes at the facility. The reason for the fire is still unknown, however no injuries were sustained during the dreadful ordeal as fire services were on time to put out the fire.
Named after Nkosi Johnson, the youngest AIDS activist, the beacon of hope serves as a holistic care and support facility for underprivileged mothers and children.
WATCH: A video showing Nkosi’s Haven on fire
Cynthia Ndlovu, residence matron, said the fire that broke out has affected them greatly, especially since the country is finally opening up after the national lockdown.
“The beds were of great help to us because we had stored them in the storage in order to be used for new intakes. We are supposed to take in more people now that the lockdown levels have eased, but with these beds having burnt, that will be an issue,” said Ndlovu.
Gail Johnson, founding director, said she will be conducting a further investigation on how the fire started.
She said: “It seems strange that the fire just started in middle of nowhere, there’s no electrical supply there. It could have been worse, but luckily because of the dry garden the fire did not spread further.”
Johnson also told the COURIER that these damages are worth anything from R60 000 to R90 000 depending on the size.
“We had about 70 mattresses in there, and the overall costs are about R180 000 excluding the Wendy house. With Covid-19 and how things have been looking, we would highly appreciate any assistance from the community also because we are assisting other organisations during this time,” she said.
Johnson thanked all stakeholders involved in assisting them with putting out the fire.
WATCH: A video showing Nkosi’s Haven on fire
“A big thank you to WAR reaction, EMC Medic, Mondeor CPF, City of Johannesburg Fire Department and CPF from Alewynspoort for reacting and helping in assisting with this fire,” she said.
She said they would highly appreciate assistance with donations of either a Wendy house, filling of fire extinguishers, replacement mattresses.
For donations, contact Gail Johnson on 011 942 5580.
