Ubuntu Propellers rebuilds hope after fire in Tsakani  

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Tsakani – The NPO Ubuntu Propellers is assisting a family of 13 from Tsakani Ext 8 after their home burnt down during a prayer session on March 24.

This help comes after one family member, Zandile Khoza, had experienced psychotic episodes, so her family turned to an umthandazeli (praying healer) for help.

Seven people were in the house at the time of the fire, including the healer’s husband, and all but one escaped without any injuries. Ubuntu Propellers recently visited the family to assess the damage.

“For our first organisational initiative, we wanted to assist individuals or a family in a sensitive situation needing our urgent help.

“We identified this family and decided to lend a helping hand. When we first came here to speak to the family, we realised they had nothing and had lost everything in the fire. We also discovered many heart-wrenching things that pushed us to help the family,” said organisation member Nonhlanhla Msimango.

Msimango said the family had been displaced and separated from one another while seeking refuge with relatives.

In addition, she said, “This family consists of an elderly woman, age 63, who seeks proper shelter, and that is what we want to give her.”

Another member, Lindokuhle Mbatha, said the family has many children who lost belongings like school uniforms and other basics.

“The family’s needs convinced us that they required our urgent help. This is why we decided to rebuild their home – for them to have a roof over their heads.

“We have knocked on doors to gather support, materials and other necessities. Fortunately, all the establishments we approached have been kind enough to assist. Many donations from community members have also come in for the family,” she added.

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Ubuntu Propellers thanked everyone who helped the family and the organisation.

“We aim to assist more families and wish to see many other people assisting us where they can. We are eternally grateful to those who have already helped,” thanked organisation member Thuso Mtshweni.

Jabulile Dludlu spoke on behalf of the family, saying the fire had caused them a lot of suffering.

“The organisation’s assistance to us as a family has removed some of the burden from our shoulders. We are very grateful for the kind gesture they displayed to us.

“Unfortunately, we were informed on Sunday morning that the umthandazeli (praying healer) passed on. We are deeply saddened by her loss,” she said.

She expressed thankfulness, saying the donations from the community have been valuable to the family.

“We only need kitchen cupboards and would appreciate that as a donation. Food and other essentials would also help us very much,” she concluded.