- After a 2020 fire destroyed their home, the Mongo family of Langa lived in dire conditions until Isidima Housing Development rebuilt the house.
- The nonprofit organisation restored the house with new walls, flooring, roof, windows and doors.
- Local leaders praised Isidima and its partners for their intervention, urging the family to maintain the home for future generations.
Four years since their home was gutted by fire, the Mongo family in Langa had a moment to rejoice this week, thanks to Isidima Housing Development.
After hearing about the family’s plight last year, the non profit organisation (NPO) dedicated to transforming lives in the country by creating dignified, safe and secure homes, stepped in and worked hard to restore the family’s dignity.
For the past four years, the family has been living in appalling conditions as they could not afford to refurbish the house.
According to reports, the house caught fire in 2020.
Owner Zandisile Mongo relates what happened. “This house burned during a load shedding in 2020. My wife was watching television in the evening. She went to sleep in the shack at the back. We were woken up by the noise from our neighbours shouting fire! When we went outside the flames were so big and we were unable to stop it. We lost everything in the house”.
Mongo, who depends on the government grant to make ends meet, says they could not afford to rebuild the house.
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The family prayers were eventually answered last year when Isidima approached them to offer assistance. “It is like they started it from scratch. They fixed the walls, floor, roof, and ceiling and put in new doors, windows and a sink. I’m so happy. It looks new,” he said, adding that they only need furniture now.
“There are seven of us in the house, including my three children and two grandchildren. I’m doing odd jobs,” said Mongo.
Speaking on behalf of Isidima, Bulelwa Dywili expressed her gratitude to all the stakeholders who made Mongo family’s dream come true. “We came up with this idea last year and we approached ProteamSA to come on board. Because ProteamSA is working with the tourists in Langa and surrounding areas they approached some members of the Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh from Scotland while they were the country,” explained Dywili adding that Merchiston is a donor of the project. Dywili stated there are more families that need to be assisted.
Ward 51 councillor Lwazi Pakade praised Isidima together with ProteamSA and Merchiston for doing a great job. He stated that the City is unable to assist in such incidents once the family has received the title deed.
“Once the family receives the title deed it means the family has fully owned the house. So, whatever happens it takes full responsibility for it,” explained Pakade.
He urged the family to take care of the house for their next generation.
