Chronicle Editor
Laurel Murangaridzirayi, [email protected]
FOR a woman from Bulawayo’s Newton West suburb, who is unwell due to cancer, a tale of tragedy and hope is unfolding as she is seeking the kindness of strangers to rebuild her life. The house that was once the anchor of her existence, supporting her medical needs, her children’s education, and putting food on the table, now lies in ruins, a victim of a devastating inferno that struck on July 13.
Miss Sicelo Sibusisiwe Nqwababa Ndlovu, the courageous owner of the now-charred dwelling, finds herself homeless and bereft of the haven that once brought stability and warmth to her family. The walls that stand as the only remnants of her former life now serve as painful reminders of the tragedy that unfolded.
The devastating fire, ignited by old and faulty wiring, engulfed not just a house but the dreams and aspirations that it nurtured.
For Miss Ndlovu, the loss is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a lifeline that provided for her health as a cancer patient dependent on insulin.
“The house had a great impact in my life, my homestead used to fund for my medication since I am a cancer patient and I am dependent on insulin, the role the house did has left a huge gap in our life,” said Miss Ndlovu, her voice laden with emotion.
“It also provided food for my family and the house was a source of fees payment to my child, Kevin Ndlovu (20), who is studying informatics at Nust and fees is needed for him to begin his second year,” said Miss Ndlovu.
With their hearts heavy, the Nqwababa family stands united in their resolve to rebuild their shattered lives. They humbly appeal to the compassionate hearts of Zimbabwe’s business fraternity, corporates, companies, and individuals who might find it within their means to lend a helping hand.
“We are here as the owners of the house to plead to the public for some donations to the whole Zimbabwe, corporates, companies and businesses and individuals, as the Nkomo family. People saw the house from all over the country on the newspaper and the only family which was there at that time was the tenant’s family which was available.
“They had their own rooms and the other portion belonged to my sister who lost the house. At the time the house was burnt my sister was staying with my mother because she was not feeling well and only to hear from a call that our house has been burnt down from the tenant,” said Mr Promise Nqwababa (72), brother to Miss Ndlovu.
The Nqwababa family shares a poignant account of their loss and determination to reclaim what was once a cherished home. Despite the hardships they face, they evicted the tenant whom they think inadvertently caused the fire, with a desire to rebuild and restore the house to its former glory.
“As we stand here, homeless and heartbroken, we seek help and understanding. We have taken the first step in evicting the tenant, and now we need the support of others to help us rise from the ashes. Together, we can rebuild not just a house but a home, a sanctuary of hope and dreams,” said Mr Nqwababa.
The tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and safety measures in our homes. As Zesa campaigns for safer electrical systems, the story of the Nqwababa family highlights the urgency of ensuring the wiring in our houses is up-to-date and secure.
Names: Sicelo Sibusisiwe Ndlovu
I.D. : 08/664382/F73
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