An 89-year-old Mtwalume woman and her grandchildren are homeless, after their home was gutted by a fire last Wednesday morning.
The cause is suspected to be loadshedding in the area.
It’s alleged that the house caught ablaze just after electricity was restored. Fortunately, the elderly Margaret Mhlongo was not in the house and was busy in her garden.
Nombuso Sibisi of the Mtwalume Women’s Organisation said she was alerted to the incident while she was at work, and there was not much she could do to assist at the time.
Sibisi said later that evening she arranged to see Mhlongo and found that she had lost everything in the fire.
“Gogo Mhlongo lost everything, her ID, Sassa card and clothing including that of her 15-year-old granddaughter and grandson (20).
“The grandchildren were left with only a uniform and the clothes they were wearing,” Sibisi explained.
She said that Mhlongo has not yet received any assistance from Disaster Management or Umzumbe Municipality.
“As an organisation we were able to get some blankets and food donations. She is currently living in a rondavel which is still under construction, and not in a state for someone to live in,” Sibisi added.
Ward 20 Umzumbe Municipality councillor Smangele Dlamini disputed the fact the municipality has not yet intervened.
“I am aware of Mhlongo’s matter and I feel it needs urgent attention, especially as she is elderly and needs to be cared for.
“I have been to the house with our local ANC leadership. Disaster Management was also informed as well as the Department of Social Development to send a social worker to intervene, especially in terms of getting Mhlongo a new ID and Sassa card.”
Sibisi said the situation is bad, however she will go back and see the family, to keep track of the help she is receiving.
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