Windstorms, fire victims get help

By Emily Setona

QWAQWA – Victims of windstorms and fire have expressed gratitude at the act of goodwill that several stakeholders showed to them when they shared food parcels with them and offered then hope during their time of despair.

On 25 July 25,2024 Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality’s (TMDM) Disaster Management Centre in partnership with the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) and Old Mutual Foundation handed over humanitarian relief to Maluti-A-Phofung (MAP) local municipality victims of windstorms and fire that happened between 5 to 9 July 2024.
Many of the beneficiaries’ houses were burnt due to electricity challenges while some of their roofs were blown away by strong winds that occurred; some houses even collapsed because of the strong winds.

In an interview with The Guard, Itumeleng Mahlaba from Bluegumbosch said she was grateful for the donations that she received but she was still in a state of shock and utter disbelief that her house had burned down.

“I don’t want to lie. I still can’t believe what has happened, that saw my house burn down. I am very grateful for the two blankets, food parcels and toiletries that I have received.

Handing over donation to victims of windstorm Thabo Mofutsanyana district municipality municipal manager Takayso Lebenya and Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality MMC for Social Development Pastor Mary Crockett.

SARCS Chief Executive Officer Molefi Takalo, said “It is during this time that our organisation saw it fit to join hands with the local and district municipalities to assist these victims in their time of need.”
MAP MMC of social development Mary Crokette told this publication:

“The local and district municipalities identified residents that needed assistance, who were victims of windstorms and fire because the stakeholders here today wanted to offer food parcels and bring back hope to them after losing everything. We wanted to show the people who have lost their houses that we still care, and we support them and appreciate the participation of the stakeholders that have come on board because the government cannot do it alone.”