16 Jun 2020

The head of Chadibe Construction Industry Trust Fund (CITF) Mr George Maiketswane has appealed to the general public to help restore the Kethokile family’s dignity following an inferno which left them homeless.

In an interview with BOPA on June 15, chairperson of a committee that is spearheading initiatives to help the nine member family of Goloso ward, said the family’s situation was disheartening hence they took it upon themselves to support them during this trying period.   

The committee comprises of CITF staff and Village Development Committee (VDC) members as well as primary school teachers. 

Their makeshift shelter and a one bed-roomed house were gutted by fire in March. 

The victim Ms Easter Kethokile, aged 47 who was still reeling in shock said it had not been easy for her since the incident, noting that her hut was damaged by heavy rains in December last year.

The unemployed single mother indicated that after the hut collapsed due to heavy rainfall, she built a small one bed-roomed house and a make shift structure where she has been staying with her nine children.

She narrated that the family lost all their property including food.

Suspicions are that the fire was caused by a candle.

Ms Kethokile said had to watch helplessly as her room was burned down in the blaze. 

Mr Maiketswane said together with his staff they would strive to seek help from various stakeholders.

“This would allow the family to have a place to stay for the interim period,’’ he said. 

He said a plea was made to community members and the business sector to assist the family with food, clothes, school uniforms and building materials where possible.

The chairperson said their intention was to construct a two and half bed roomed house for the family as soon as possible before the rainy season.

He said that it was sad that the family lost all their prized possessions in these trying economic times.

“It will be very hard for them, as they had accumulated their things over many years. It will be difficult for them to buy the goods again. 

They will need community support,’’ he mentioned.

He noted  in 2019 the whole homestead burned to ashes. This was followed by a 2020 fire that left the one room destroyed.

“I am now urging Good Samaritans to assist this family with either a tent or blankets because it is cold and they have not been left with anything,,” he said.

Mr Maiketswane explained that his office availed manpower for the planned two and half room. However, he said, the family needed building material due to lack of income.

While awaiting support from the public the committee has agreed to contribute money from their pockets to assist in the construction of the house.

He said they were also motivated by the presidential appeal to help the needy.

Mr Maiketswane therefore called on other companies to assist government in developing the communities they operate in by assisting the less privileged; a task that he said could be realised if all stakeholders participated.

Social worker from Central District Council (CDC), Ms Kereeditse Obuseng who assessed the family to establish the damage and see how they could help them said they assisted the family with food, clothes and sought accommodation from Ms Kethokile elder sister. Ends