Community demonstrates ubuntu, rebuilds home of fellow member

A group of community members from Ikageng and Zakhele extended a hand of kindness and helped to rebuild the home of Emily Rabase (59), in Zakhele.

Thabo Malebo says he was at the home of his younger brother, Kabelo Koko, a few weeks before. He noticed that his next-door neighbour’s house was falling apart. He approached Emily, the owner of the home, and offered to assist in rebuilding her shack. He wanted to make it stronger as he feared it would fall apart in strong winds, especially since the rainy season is approaching.

So, late August, he, Kabelo and a group of men took it upon themselves to rebuild her home.

Thabo, Kabelo, Karabo Tshehle, Lebogang Ramoiloa, Vusi Mthimkhulu, Kwena and Mokwena Letsie demolished the home on 22 August and managed to rebuild it in a day. They used new sheets of corrugated iron and community members donated other resources to make it more stable. There are still some touch-ups to do, however.

In a post, Thabo described the structure as shaky and wobbly; it took them just a few minutes to demolish it.

Emily expressed her happiness at her new home. Her house had been rickety since 2018. As time passed, its condition worsened. In rainy or windy weather, she would be most worried about her children. She would always pray to God, pleading for yet another day. “Our lives were in God’s hands.”

She described her home as a ruined toy that should have been thrown in the dustbin. The roof was dented and the rocks on top of it made it worse. When it rained, the water poured in. Now, everything has changed and she and her family have gained a new sense of confidence that they are safe in their home. “Abuti Thabo gave me life! I thank God for the wonderful work that he and his team have done for my family and me,” she said.
Lebogang Rabase (26), Emily’s son, smiles broadly when he speaks of their new home. He appreciates the work done by Thabo, his team and the community.

Thabo says this initiative moved several more community members to offer their assistance. He would especially like to thank Thembeka Duma for supplying many of the resources and regularly checking if they need any more to finish the Rabase’s family home.

For more information or if you wish to make any donation to help the family, contact Thabo at 081 383 8922.