THE Anglican Church in the Upper Highway area has assisted a family to secure a piece of land where they will rebuild after losing their home to the April floods. As part of their civil duty as the church, the Anglican church have joined hands in journeying with the flood-stricken families for the past eight months.
Speaking to the Highway Mail, Reverend Sizwe Ngcobo said, “The Anglican Church in the Upper Highway is joining hands in breaking the restraints that plunge people into undignified conditions. So far, we have identified two families to assist in building them homes. The first is a family of eight whose house and family graveyard were ripped apart and washed away during the floods in April. They have managed to secure a piece of land in Molweni. The second one is a family of two elderly senior citizens whose life has been deteriorating since being accommodated in KwaDabeka Hall.”
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Reverend Ngcobo, along with other church leaders, went to Molweni to inspect the site where the building is set to take off. Two of the eight Sikhakahane family members were also present. The family said they have heaved a sigh of relief since they have found the site.
“We have been renting for the past few months, and with only a few members that are employed, it is not easy for us to keep renting. It is also causing tension with the neighbours we are renting with. Each family deserves their own home and space, so we are quite relieved that we are, at least, this far in getting our space,” said Sanele Sikhakhane.
The family said that with the help of the church, they have managed to get the site and will be carrying on with the building of their new home. “For this site, we had to put down a payment, and from here, we will need more money as we will be buying the material. This is a start, but a lot more still needs to be done, and we are grateful for the support as we will be needing more,” continued Sikhakhane.
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Archdeacon Joseph Gumede, who oversees the Anglican churches in the Upper Highway community, said, “We cannot escape the tragedies that arise in our lives, but perhaps what defines our character is how well we face our struggles and rise up after getting knocked down. As the Church, we believe that faith overcomes fears, doubt and insecurities. We invite the Christian community in the Upper Highway to join hands in the restoration of human dignity and in bringing a sense of hope, a hope that is not just life-affirming but built on a community that listens and seeks to understand their story and to respond as faithful citizens in our community.”
The church pleaded with the public to join them in restoring lives. You can contact Revd Sizwe Ngcobo at sizwe@stagnes.org.za or contribute towards building at: St Agnes Church, FNB 5073 0099 881, Ref: Flood Relief
