Help rebuild Embo mom’s home destroyed in a fire
Dumazile is the sole breadwinner for six people. She has been working since the age of 13 as a domestic worker and nanny. She is a survivor of domestic violence and has never given up. Their home has literally been what has kept the family together.
DUMAZILE Gwala (42) a mother and grandmother lost everything in July this year when a fire engulfed her four-room home with her three children narrowly escaping serious injuries.
Also read: UPDATE: Fire breaks out at a Pinetown SPAR
“I left my three children in the care of relatives while I attended a night vigil. The electricity was cut off at home and one of my children, an adult, decided to light a candle. They all fell asleep and one of the younger children woke up to see smoke and woke up the eldest one and they escaped,” she said.
The family lost everything besides a few pots and pans and at the moment, they are living with neighbours and friends.
Her employers, Dr Dave and Dr Willene Holness have started an online fund-raising campaign to help rebuild Dumazile’s home.
She has worked for the Kloof couple for eight years as a domestic worker and has been a carer of their four-year-old daughter.
The Holness couple work for the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Dave is the director of the law clinic (a law firm for indigent persons) and Willene as a senior lecturer in the School of Law teaching constitutional law and children’s rights.
“In the aftermath of the fire, family, friends and community members donated food, clothes and blankets to the family so their immediate needs were met. We were overwhelmed by the response from our friends and family. However, they are still homeless,” said Willene.
According Willene, Dumazile is the sole breadwinner for six people. She has been working since the age of 13 as a domestic worker and nanny. She is a survivor of domestic violence and has never given up. Their home has literally been what has kept the family together.
A fund-raising campaign on clickndonate has been started on behalf of Dumazile: https://clickndonate.com/replace-gwala-fire-razed-home-goal-r-125-300/
Based on detailed quotations it will cost R125 204 to construct a basic, four-room home with plumbing and electricity.
“Donations of building materials such as cement, concrete, M140 blocks, corrugated iron, timber, lintels, doors and windows new or in reasonable used condition, will also be appreciated.
A dedicated bank account has been opened for donations for the house rebuilding project,” said Willene.
Bank account details: Capitec, Account number: 1656784880.
Contact Dr Willene via email, holnesswillene@gmail.com and visit Home for Dumazile Gwala on Facebook.
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