DELMAS – A distressed family in Delmas is left searching for answers after a devastating fire destroyed their food, clothing, and other belongings.
The fire completely gutted the three-room shack of the Msiza family at Ebenezer Farm near the N12 on Wednesday, 16 April 2025.
“The fire was too strong, as if it was caused by petrol. It even burned down the entire shack,” described Lizbeth Msiza, a family member.
The family of 15 now faces the difficult aftermath of the fire, with no clear cause for the blaze.
Ward 3 councillor Tebogo Malomane visited the family to offer support. “After visiting the family, I saw that three young children were still in school. I promised to buy their uniforms so they wouldn’t be disrupted,” said Malomane. He also provided basic groceries, including the essentials. “This was to provide short-term relief while the family figures out how to handle the situation,” he added.
The Msiza family is also struggling with unemployment and housing insecurity. Malomane urged for long-term solutions, including government assistance. “We need to get the farm owner to allow the government to develop the area. I took the grandmother to apply for the National Housing Need Register last year, so she could be considered if the government provides more housing units,” he said.
He also encouraged the community to support the family in any way possible. “Anyone who can donate blankets, school bags, or school uniforms would be greatly appreciated,” he appealed.
The family remains hopeful that with the support of the community and local authorities, their situation will improve.
