Central SA
Welkom family receive help after devastating fire─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 10:50 Fri, 13 Jun 2025
The Free State Department of Social Development, alongside key partners and community leaders, visited the family in Thabong, Welkom, after their home was destroyed by a fire.
The shack was completely engulfed in flames on Saturday (7/6), reportedly due to an electrical fault. No one was injured as the family was not home at the time.
The fire left the family without any possessions. Free State MEC for Social Development Mathabo Leeto was joined by South African Red Cross Society provincial manager Claudia Mangwegabe, and local church leaders, as they visited the affected family on Thursday (12/6) to offer support.
Free State MEC for Social Development Mathabo Leeto alongside South African Red Cross Society provincial manager Claudia Mangwegabe. Photo supplied by the Department of Social Development.
The visit was the department’s response to the tragedy and to offer support to the family as they were left with nothing, said Social Development spokesperson Thembile Nqabeni.
The support provided included essential supplies such as food parcels, clothing, toiletries, blankets, mattresses, and kitchen essentials. School uniforms from Sassa were also given to the children. Local businesspeople who were present during the visit pledged to rebuild the family’s home.
During the visit, MEC Leeto emphasised the importance of neighbourly care and vigilance within communities. She spoke about the role of the department’s Molo Makhelwane Programme, which aims to foster social cohesion, promote Ubuntu, and support moral regeneration.
“The Molo Makhelwane Programme will assist communities in terms of community profiling and the fight against social ills in our communities,” said Leeto.
She also used the occasion to raise awareness about electrical safety, urging residents to have their homes checked for electrical compliance regularly. “Residents must ensure their homes have certified electrical compliance, and consult qualified electricians at least once or twice a year,” she advised.
Free State Social Development assisted a Welkom family who lost their belongings when their house was engulfed by fire. Photo supplied by the Department of Social Development.
The Molo Makhelwane Programme would see departmental officials visiting households to identify challenges and refer them to relevant stakeholders for support, Leeto added.
Busisiwe Zweni, who lost all her possessions in the fire, said she was deeply touched by the overwhelming support.
An elderly couple from Deneysville, meanwhile, lost their belongings after their home was engulfed by fire on Monday (10/6) after a gas heater exploded.
