BARBERTON – A family of 22 members in Dindela section, Barberton who lost almost all their possessions when their house burnt down on New Year’s Eve, had their prayers answered.
This comes after one local businessman, the owner of Mbombela Bricks and Sizampilo company, Mr Pule Shakwane, came to their rescue by building a new house for the family.
Speaking to this publication, Shakwane said that he received a call from one concerned community member and decided to visit the family and check how he was going to assist them.
“I believe that ploughing back to the community or helping other people is important. When I received the call, I didn’t hesitate to assist. I believe in making a difference in our society. I have been extending the same kind of gesture not only here, but in different areas around the province in Matsulu and Shabalala near Hazyview,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the family,
Ms Sibongile Simelane said,
“We are very happy that we are going to get a decent house after we lost everything last year. We’d like to say thank you to Mr Shakwane, may God bless him. I would also like to thank the community members and Umjindi Local Municipality for their support as we have received donations such as food, blankets and clothes. Now we can’t wait to move into our new house,” she said.
This publication has learnt that although the incident occurred last year, it’s not clear what caused the blaze.
At the time, they said it started in one of the bedrooms and got out of control. When it reached the roof it was hard to save some of their belongings and they feared for their lives.
The executive mayor of Umjindi Local Municipality, Cllr Lazarus Mashaba, applauded the positive response of the local businessman,
“We are thankful that we are still blessed with people who are always willing to help others. As a municipality, we are going to ensure that the family lives a better life and we have also prioritised them in our RDP-house programme.”
Those who are willing to assist can call these numbers:
072-441-2124 or
076-155-7981.
