Online Reporter
Tlou Bokang, [email protected]
A 104-year-old woman from Emakhandeni, Bulawayo, has been given a second chance at life after narrowly surviving a house fire that almost claimed her life.
Mrs Maria Hadebe, affectionately known as Gogo MaHadebe, was rescued by alert neighbours a fortnight ago when flames engulfed her two-roomed house.
She suffered smoke inhalation and was rushed to a local hospital, where she was treated and later discharged.
Today, the soot-stained walls are clean again, and hope has been restored, thanks to community effort led by the local Roman Catholic Church and businessman Mr Brian Samuriwo. Together with residents and well-wishers, they have donated groceries, a bed, an electric stove, kitchen utensils, blankets, and fresh paint to give the house a new look.
“I thank the Lord for sparing my life,” said Mrs Hadebe, her voice steady with emotion.
“It’s not because I’m clever, but it is by God’s grace that I’m still here. I also want to thank Lingiwe for taking care of me. She’s an amazing person, and may the Lord continue blessing her.”
Following the incident, Ms Lingiwe Mudavanhu, a neighbour, has volunteered to help take care of Mrs Hadebe.
“There’s no one else to care of her, so I’ll stay with uGogo. I’ve always seen her as a mother figure. I couldn’t imagine leaving her alone after such a traumatic experience,” said Ms Mudavanhu.
Despite her age, Mrs Hadebe remains mentally alert and physically steady. Her gratitude was evident as she sat in her restored home, which now bears few signs of the fire that nearly took everything.
Another neighbour, Mrs Isabel Dube, said the experience still haunts her.
“The thought that Gogo almost died in that fire gives me sleepless nights. But I’m relieved she’s back home and healing well. The community really pulled together, repainting the house, fixing broken items, and ensuring she has food and basic necessities. It’s been beautiful to witness,” Mrs Dube said.
