Thanks to good Samaritans who, with help from local sponsorships, dedicated their time and effort, a family whose house burnt down on Christmas Day last year in Bo-Blok, Jeffreys Bay, received a newly built home recently.
When Mieta Petersen and her son, Jonty Hammond (27), woke up on Christmas morning to find their living room engulfed in flames, they could not believe what they were seeing.
Within minutes the fire grew exponentially and the two had to vacate their home with nothing else but the clothes they were wearing.
“I was not concerned about my belongings, but I was very worried about where we were going to stay,” said Mieta.
Fortunately, Mieta was able to stay at her neighbour’s house while Jonty, and her two other children, Rensten Petersen (18), and Johnique Petersen (15), each stayed at one of her friend’s homes.
Good Samaritan, Mpfariseni Mutakusi, better known as William from Woodlands Dairy in Humansdorp, was made aware of Mieta’s situation by Kouga Mayor, Horatio Hendricks.
William said when he visited the home, he was hoping to find the structure of the house intact, but to his surprise the fire had caused so much damage that the house needed to be demolished.
“When I heard about the fire, my heart was not at peace with sitting back and doing nothing. I offered to lend a helping hand to the family, even though I did not know them,” said William.
With sponsorships from Khusela Energies, Kouga Local Municipality, Build IT Jeffreys Bay, Woodlands Dairy, Milkway Transport, All Paints and local non-profit organisation, Masikhathalelaneni, William and his colleague, Khakhu Rambau, remained determined to provide Mieta and her family with a new home. Each day, after work and during weekends, they would work on building the house.
“It was exhausting mentally and physically, but the end goal kept us strong knowing the purpose of our devotion,” said William.
The project took three months to complete and, earlier this month, the family moved into their newly built home.
“When we handed over the keys to Mieta, she wept uncontrollably the entire time.”
Mieta said she was so grateful for the time and effort given by William and Khakhu.
“I did not know these gentlemen, but they were willing to help me. I did not have to give a cent towards the construction of the new home,” said Mieta.
“For the last three months, my children have been separated from me and I am so glad that we finally have our own place again where we can be together,” said Mieta.
