Online Reporter
Methembe Thebe Chronicle Correspondent
WITH a terrifying midnight escape from a collapsing home still fresh in her memory, elderly Mahetshe Village resident Sibonisiwe Zulu struggled to hold back tears as she received the keys to a new house built for her by members of the Maphisa Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church Dorcamo Department.
Only a few months earlier, Zulu and her younger sister had been asleep when their home suddenly began to collapse around them, forcing them to flee into the darkness with little more than their lives.
“We were asleep with my younger sister in the middle of the night when we heard unusual sounds of the house collapsing. Fortunately, we managed to escape unharmed,” she recalled.
The terrifying incident left the sisters homeless and facing an uncertain future.
However, from the devastation emerged an extraordinary act of community solidarity as the Maphisa Seventh-day Adventist Church Dorcamo Department mobilised resources and volunteers to rebuild the homestead.
The intervention resulted in the construction of a new house and toilet facility, restoring not only shelter but also dignity, comfort and hope for the elderly resident.
For Zulu, the new home stands as a testament to the power of compassion and timely assistance.
“I humble myself before God, and I thank Him for sending these people to help us in our time of trouble,” she said.
The project also improved sanitation at the homestead through the construction of a toilet to ensure long-term comfort and hygiene.
“As a department, we were deeply moved by this situation. We saw it fit to fully commit to this project of building a house, and we chose to go the extra mile by also constructing a toilet,” said Dorcamo Director Millicent Bumbelihle Khumalo.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony, Khumalo paid tribute to the women who dedicated their time, effort and resources to bring the project to completion.
“I am so happy that today we are commissioning this house and giving thanks to the Maphisa women, who were so dedicated to this project. May God bless them,” she added.
The rebuilding effort also attracted support beyond the church denomination, highlighting the importance of collective action during times of hardship.
Senator Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa, who is not a member of the Adventist Church, donated five bags of cement towards the successful completion of the project.
Ward Councillor Feluna Ncube said the disaster had stretched the community’s capacity to respond and commended the Dorcamo Department for intervening when assistance was most needed.
“The Dorcamo Department did a great job for the elderly. As a community, we were not going to manage this situation on our own. We give our highest thanks to the Adventist Church for the work done.”
For Clr Ncube, the completed house symbolised more than just bricks and mortar, reflecting the practical expression of faith through service to vulnerable members of society.
“Faith without works is dead. They have shown that they truly understand their mission. I urge them not to end here but to continue their good work for other vulnerable people. As a community, we are immensely grateful,” he said.
Personal Ministries Director Mpumelelo Mkhwananzi also commended the women’s ministry for responding to the family’s plight and demonstrating the church’s commitment to community service.
“We thank the Dorcamo Department for raising the Adventist flag high.
