UPDATE: Bleak future as sisters lose home in Montclair fire
The sisters have lost everything from their belongings to the last few, precious sentimental items that belonged to their late mother
JUST months after losing their mother, Montclair sisters Nosihle and Lerato Xaba have been dealt another heavy blow after their home and all their possessions were lost in a house fire on Saturday, 6 June.
Rescue Care paramedics responded to Summerfield Circle in Montclair to find Durban fire department officials working to extinguish the blaze.
Spokesman, Garrith Jamieson praised the fire fighters for their excellent work which saw the blaze extinguished swiftly. However, extensive damage was wrought on the home, with the roof completely gutted. Rescue Care treated two people for anxiety and smoke inhalation. It is unclear what caused the fire, which broke out at about 10am.
Speaking to the Sun on Monday morning, Nosihle said she was dumbfounded as to how she, as the only breadwinner in the house, would regain all that was lost in the fire. Nosihle has a part-time job while she is studying to become a teacher and supporting her younger sister, Lerato who has just matriculated with a distinction. “On Friday, we celebrated my sister passing her matric and then on Saturday, this fire has destroyed everything. How do I start from scratch? Both my parents are gone and my sister just got out of school. It’s difficult to say how I feel about what happened but I trust God will provide,” she said.
READ: Montclair house fire leaves sisters destitute
Her younger sister Lerato was home alone when the fire started. At about 10.30am, Nosihle received a call from her neighbours telling her the house was on fire. “I did not think it was a serious fire and I remember telling my neighbour to douse it with a bucket of water. When they told me the whole house has burned down completely, I was in shock. I quickly made my way home, praying my sister was okay and she was,” she sobbed.
They are now living with friends.
The sisters have lost everything from their belongings to the last few, precious sentimental items that belonged to their late mother. Having lived in that house since 2002, it was their late mother’s proud and joy. “And now we have lost the very thing we call home, which belonged to our mother. I’m afraid that whoonga boys might come and strip what’s left of her memory. I can’t sleep or eat because I worry about our home. As burned as it is, this is still my mother’s house and I will protect it,” she said.
READ: House goes up in flames in Montclair
Ward 64 Councillor Gavin Hegter, who posted an appeal for aid on their behalf on social media, urged the community to come forwardd and help the Xabas. They lost everything and have no way of rebuilding their home. “Although I have arranged emergency relief from Ethekwini disaster management, these women need our help,” said Hegter. Any donations of clothing or shoes would be appreciated. They both wear size seven shoes and their clothing sizes are a 32 and 40 in pants and medium and XXL in tops.
To help or donate contact Nosihle on 074-030-6726 or neighbour, Mrs Zulu on 083-515-6579.
