POLOKWANE – The severe hailstorm that hit Seshego on Wednesday, 25 November, not only left widespread damage but also left many families displaced.
Read more: WATCH: Hail storm, heavy winds wreak havoc in Seshego and surrounding areas
Heavy winds and hail tormented the area amid heavy rains experienced in the entire Polokwane area.
Hail the size of golf balls saw vehicle windshields crack, while roofs were blown off and other infrastructure suffered severe damage.
The Polokwane Municipality and Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) temporarily accommodated over 40 families at the Ngoako Ramatlhodi Sports Complex as an interim disaster management solution for residents who were worst affected.
Read more: WATCH: Walk-through in Seshego shows extent of hailstorm damage
One resident affected was Phillipine Modiba from Seshego Zone 2, who said most of the homes affected are those with asbestos roofs.
“The storm affected us badly because my windows, doors, stove, furniture were damaged by the hail. The hailstorm came unexpectedly,” Phillipine said.
She added that her family could not all leave their home to seek shelter at the Ngoako Ramahlodi Complex as they feared being burgled since the doors and windows to their homes were damaged. Phillipine told BONUS that she made the decision to send her family to the complex while she remained at home to keep the rest of their belongings safe.
“Some people in the community helped us and it was such a relief to know that at least there are people who care,” she said.
Despite the municipality’s assistance with food and shelter, Phillipine Modiba says her and her family are left with very little.
“We are hoping a Good Samaritan will assist us with perishable food donations, help us fix the kitchen door that was badly damaged, and clothing and shoe donations as that would make a big difference,” she said.
She concluded that 2020 has been a difficult year for her as she was financially affected by Covid-19, having lost her job in March as the breadwinner of the family.
“I don’t know what else we’re going to do because my family all depended on me for almost everything. The storm worsened my situation even more,” she said.
