80-year-old Mofokeng gets roof over his head, Protea Glen
After the trauma of watching his home almost burn down to the ground, a Protea Glen community member can now sleep comfortably in his own bed.
An old man has been given the chance to live in his home again in Protea Glen after the rebuilding of it since it burnt down last year.
Last year in September, 80-year-old Matlalepule Mofokeng’s home burnt down after an electrical fault while he was ironing.
“I was ironing my pants in the morning and had my back to the couch when I felt the warmth coming from behind, as I turned around the couch was on fire and I didn’t understand where the blaze was coming from,” said Mofokeng.
A Mofokeng Support Committee was formed with the aim to seek support towards the rebuilding of the house and also to coordinate all activities all that may be coming from various businesses wishing to lend a hand.
Residents and church organisations united in donating building materials, with furniture as well.
Mofokeng was living by himself at the time since the passing of his wife just over two years ago.
He was living with his brother during the ordeal and the building process.
Mphili Jele and Moss Molalogi members of the committee said, “We are happy that he can now sleep in his new home.
“We are left with a few touch ups to complete the ceiling, but we hope that in two weeks everything should be wrapped up.”
Pastor Maureen Sibadela, another member said, “We wouldn’t mind advising another team to do what we did because we learned that as a community we must stand together when helping somebody in our community, and not just sit back and watch things fall apart.
“We thank Mofokeng who trusted us with his home during this process.”
The committee handed over the keys to the house and with excitement and tears in his eyes Mokofeng said, “all my stresses are over now because the community came together to help me; a burden has been lifted off my shoulders and I hope God can bless all those who helped me in my time of need.
The following pictures were taken after the fire:
Relates articles:
Government officials to visit family distraught by shack fire, Doornkop
Children aged 11 months, 5 and 3 years die in shack fire
For the latest news follow us on Facebook and Twitter or Westside News
