Memories of her children and grandchildren, items of sentimental value, and awards were among the possessions lost when Nontuthuzelo Conjwa-Dia’s home was destroyed by fire.
In the aftermath, her community rallied to assist her, organising a race to raise funds for the rebuilding of her home.
After years of investing in the construction and later renovation of her Misty Mount home, Conjwa-Dia found herself homeless when a veld fire spread to her house. For her, July 11 will forever be a nightmare.
“It was a very windy and cold day. At around 19:45, we saw a fire in the veld, but it was far from my house. We thought it would die out as the wind was pushing it away from our direction. We went to bed after midnight as I was drowsy from my medication, but I felt uneasy and woke up to see a flame coming from the ceiling towards the end of my bed,” she recounted.
Conjwa-Dia said she grabbed her phone and keys to open the doors. She then woke her son.
“After struggling to wake him up, he rushed for water to try and extinguish the fire. It was too late; the entire ceiling was on fire. Firefighters were called, but due to many fires that night, they arrived two hours later. By then, the house was still burning, but nothing could be saved,” she said.
Conjwa-Dia is grateful that she and her son were unharmed. An extension added in 1999 increased the house to three bedrooms, a lounge, and a kitchen. Conjwa-Dia, an author, is trying to come to terms with her loss.
“As I cope with the trauma, I realise all I had is gone—irreplaceable memories of my children and grandchildren, items of sentimental value, awards, and medals of my family, certificates, and book collections. It’s like a part of my life and family has died,” she lamented.
Her studio contained computers, printers, external hard drives, and stock of her recently awarded books for sale.
“Bookshelves with countless books, journals, and diaries are lost. I just need the structure of my house back. I’m not particular about how people help—I welcome any support,” she said.
Those willing to assist can contact her at 066 395 3946 or via WhatsApp at 072 034 2990. She currently lives in a temporary two-roomed structure provided by OR Tambo District Municipality.
Upon hearing of her loss, the Sikho Sonke Association organised a race to raise funds for Conjwa-Dia’s aid. In an exclusive interview with Mthatha Express, race organiser, Sililandile Ndlangwe, shared that the race aimed to unite people from different backgrounds in support of Conjwa-Dia. The event took three months to plan and execute.
“In brief, different stakeholders from various societal sectors came together under the Sikho Sonke Association banner. Despite representing different organisations, a shared upbringing of sharing the little we have with those in need united us to act rather than just express sympathy,” he said. Ndlangwe mentioned that the event uncovered raw talent and fostered new relationships.
Ndlangwe concluded,
