GEORGE NEWS - After losing everything they owned in a house fire in 2022 in Thembalethu, Nomangesi Otola (66) and her family received a newly renovated home on Human Rights Day, Thursday 21 March.

This comes after members of the local community police forum (CPF), businesses, and residents pooled resources to rebuild their house. 

At the time of the fire Otola and her two adult children were at home. 

They escaped unscathed, but lost every single thing they owned and their shiny new home is still without furniture.

The family is extremely grateful for the roof over their heads, but are still in need of wardrobes, beds, couches and various other items. If anyone can donate to the family, please contact the Ward 10 councillor, Zukile Gom.

Ntombizodwa Otola, her mother Nomangesi Otola and Noluthando Ngqwala wait patiently for the keys for their new house.

Respect your elders

Killing two birds with one stone, Thembalethu Police and local stakeholders gathered at Tyholorha Primary School and also made use of the opportunity on Human Rights Day to engage with the community about the rights of senior citizens.

Among the attendees were Garden Route District Commissioner Maj Gen Norman Modishana, George Deputy Mayor Raybin Figland, CPF leadership, neighbourhood watch structures, and Community in Blue members.

Modishana commended all involved for their efforts to restore the family's dignity. 

He particularly praised Thembalethu CPF, led by Xolani Henge, for their dedication to the project's success.

Gom expressed gratitude to all who supported the Otola family and highlighted the contributions of local stakeholders, the police, CPF, and residents in bringing joy back to the Otola family's lives.

Deputy Mayor of George, Raybin Figland, handing over the keys to Otola at her renovated home in Zone 6.  ‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’