Shack fire leaves young Dobsie learner orphaned
A raging fire destroyed the family shack and took the life of her father, Amos Mthembu, who was trapped inside at the time.
For 11-year-old Portia Xulu, September 2 this year, was a day on which she experienced a loss no child should have to suffer. The Grade Five learner from Julius Sebolai Primary School in Braamfischerville, received a call that would change the course of her life.
A raging fire destroyed the family shack and took the life of her father, Amos Mthembu, who was trapped inside at the time. The young learner was raised single-handedly by her father and her mother’s whereabouts are not known. The shack fire destroyed valuable documents, clothing and stationery and Xulu was left with nothing but the clothes on her back.
However, good Samaritans from the community jumped into action and are lending a helping hand to ease the young learner’s pain.
An educator at her school, Evodia Ntisa said, “We realised that she doesn’t have any stationery left because her belongings were all destroyed in the fire.
“The school offered her new stationery so that she could prepare for the final examinations.”
Henrietta Kubatsi helping Portia Xulu try on her new school uniform.
She said they tried unsuccessfully to provide Xulu with a new school uniform, but most of the available uniforms were too small.
Last Tuesday, lady luck shone on Xulu after residents donated a new school uniform at a ceremony held at the school.
“We heard about the young lady’s ordeal from a local community leader, Joel Mabaso.
“The young lady’s father died in a burning shack.
“We also discovered that she doesn’t have a birth certificate.
“Currently we are arranging for her birth certificate and a child support grant.
“We’ve also arranged for a temporary shelter for Xulu with a fellow church congregant who she is known to in Braamfischerville.
“Currently, she doesn’t have any family left after the fire incident,” said auxiliary social worker Hendrietta Kubatsi.
Portia Xulu received a tracksuit, school shirts, a pair of school trousers and school shoes. Kubatsi urged people to extend a helping hand to those in need in the community. Her father, Amos Mthembu, who died in the shack fire, has not been buried yet as residents are still trying to trace his family.
People who want to assist with donations towards the funeral are asked to contact the Rotlhe Sonke Revive Organisation on 011 078 3300.
