Mahatshula residents rebuild fire-razed family’s home

CONGREGANTS from various inter-denominational churches and residents of Mahatshula suburb in Bulawayo recently converged at the Mchitshwa family home to celebrate the collective efforts by the community to refurbish the property destroyed by fire in July last year.

The inferno, suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault, destroyed the Mchitshwa family’s seven-roomed house and property worth about US$25 000.

The fire left the family homeless, with only the clothes on their backs.

The proceedings, held at the refurbished Mchitshwa residence, attracted congregants from various churches.

Local Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu commended the local community for heeding the call to assist the Mchitshwa family.

“Residents have heeded the call to celebrate the exemplary unity displayed in the diligent reconstruction of the Mchitshwa home. The profound unity demonstrated by residents, who voluntarily donated towards rebuilding their neighbour’s burnt house, is a testament of divine intervention,” he said.

“Without divine intervention, mere human efforts alone wouldn’t suffice. This accomplishment highlights the power of collective action and underscores what can be achieved when communities work together as one family.”

Cllr Mahlangu also expressed concern over the rising crime rate, saying there is a need for collective responsibility by citizens to combat criminal activities.

“In a community set-up, we are each other’s keepers — brothers, sisters and family members. Everyone is urged to be vigilant against any actions that could harm the community. By working together, we can combat crime and destructive behaviours, safeguarding the future of our nation,” he said.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church Mahatshula District pastor, Khonzile Khumalo Dlodlo, said:

“The reasons to pray will never end because we gathered according to the Biblical instruction in 2 Chronicles 7:14 which urges us to gather and pray for anything with an expectation of a sustainable response from God. When we suffered the loss, we prayed and God answered our prayer and we are gathered to thank him again.”

Mahatshula Residents Association chairperson, Mr Isaac Donga, commended residents for assisting the Mchitshwa family during its darkest hour.

“We have residents who are loving, they contributed without even coming to see what had transpired, but having seen it circulating on our social media groups, which in itself is a reflection of true love,” he said.

Rev Kingston Sithole from the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe said he was humbled by the gesture shown by Mahatshula residents.

“We have learnt a lifetime lesson of what it means to love and care for a neighbour. I am humbled by what the community of Mahatshula has done for this family. May God bless everyone who assisted the family,” he said.