BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
PIGG’S PEAK – A family from eMfasini under Mayiwane Inkhundla has been given a lifeline after losing everything when a raging fire gutted their two-room home on Sunday morning.
Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society stepped in with a donation of household items and clothing worth about E4 000, bringing relief to the devastated Vilane family.
Family head Lomakhisimusi Vilane said the blaze tore through their home while she was away attending a funeral in South Africa.
She explained that her children had left for an all-night prayer vigil and forgot to extinguish a candle.
“When I returned, I found the house burnt to the ground and everything inside destroyed,” she said.
“My school-going children lost their uniforms, books, notes, clothes, and other personal belongings. I am thankful to the Red Cross for their help, but we still need assistance with school uniforms and items for the children.”
eMfasini Bucopho Mirriam Mkhonta confirmed the incident, saying they quickly contacted the Red Cross after inspecting the damage.
“We are deeply grateful for the help we received. Unfortunately, the Red Cross does not supply school uniforms or learning materials, so we appeal to the public to assist the Vilane family,” she said.
Baphalali Red Cross Field Officer Celani Malaza said the organisation responded immediately after being alerted.
“When we arrived, we found that nothing had been saved. The family lost everything. We provided essential household items to help them start rebuilding their lives,” he said, urging communities to be extra vigilant against fire outbreaks during the winter season.
The donation may not replace everything lost, but in eMfasini, it has rekindled hope, and reminded the community that even in loss, there is strength in unity and the kindness of strangers.
(Courtesy Pics)
