The family of the late firefighter Samuel Mthombo Sambo shed tears of joy when they were given their newly rebuilt home in Daveyton on October 2.
Sambo died in a car accident on his way home from work in 2005.
The family has been homeless since the fire demolished the house on December 13, 2019.
The house was occupied by Sylvia Nkabinde, the wife of the late Sambo, her 17-year-old son, Wandile, and Samuel’s mother, Velaphi Skhosana, at the time of the fire.
The Brotherhood Club, in partnership with XTenda, a department within the Macrocomm Financial Services division, as the main sponsor, has finally accomplished its mission and objective of seeing Sambo’s family under a roof.
The three-bedroom smart house was rebuilt within six weeks, starting from August 20 to September 29.
CEO of Macrocomm Group Sivi Moodley said Macrocomm has developed a ‘smart approach’ to the housing using smart metering technology, fire detection, geyser leak detection, and open or close door detection.
“The house is the first affordable smart home in Daveyton and they hope to build many more across South Africa.”
X-Tenda housing finance representative Kevin Chetty was delighted by the coordination shown by the contactor who completed his obligations diligently on time.
“Everything was on par from the time he was appointed till the end. He showed willingness and he didn’t disappoint at all,” he said.
“We decided to get involved in this project because I have travelled the world helping and supporting many families to find suitable accommodation.”
Chetty added that the company’s objective is to assist those in need of homes among the poor communities across the entire country.
Brotherhood Club chairperson Jimmy Nyalungu from the City of Ekurhuleni Emergency Services said Sambo’s colleagues and the community at large contributed towards the birth of Brotherhood Club which achieved their first-ever objective.
“As a club we wanted to handover the house before the rains start so that the family can have a roof over their heads,” said Nyalungu.
“This objective has shown that if we can stand united we can achieve good results.”
Nyalunga also shared words of encouragement to Sambo’s son, Wandile, to follow in his father’s footsteps.
“Take care of your mother, siblings and refrain from late arrivals at home without any reason,” he said.
“One owns the club as an individual except for firefighters themselves as a collective and we will not stop here but we will continue assisting those in need in the community.”
He also thanked all the role players for their participation in turning a dream into a tangible reality.
Sambo’s wife, Nkabinde, said she is happy and can’t express her gratitude enough.
“I was not expecting this; it was not easy for me and my family. I am so grateful that we have a house and my children have a roof over their heads,” said Nkabinde.
“I hope this doesn’t end with me, but the club should continue to also help others who were in need just like me.”
Nkabinde said this experience has taught her that giving is something that comes to a person naturally.
