Rehoboth blaze survivors move into new home
Rising from the ashes
A family of six who lost their home in a fire in Rehoboth’s Burgershoek informal settlement received a newly rebuilt and fully furnished house last week, three times the size of their original home, along with essential supplies.
The Uirab family – parents Sikat, a taxi driver, and Victoria, and their four children – escaped unharmed after the blaze in September, thanks to the father’s quick actions.
The family includes their eldest son, Blessing, who has a heart condition. Victoria also previously struggled with postpartum depression following the birth of their youngest child, who was born with a cleft lip.
Rallying to rebuild lives
The handover showcased the generosity of local organisations, businesses, and church leaders.
Footsteps for Africa provided building materials worth N$13 315 and baby essentials valued at N$2 655.
Simunye Youth Development and Empowerment Organisation donated pre-loved household goods and a food hamper and pledged continued support through its soup kitchen project. Local media entrepreneur Loide Nantinda delivered clothing, shoes and toys; business owner Milano Henkert contributed children’s clothing, bedding, curtains and windows; and executive Itai Maposa donated toiletries and stationery worth N$1 000 to help keep the children in school.
Ruimte Primary School provided uniforms and trauma counselling for the two older children, while Jubilee Ministries and Community Services mobilised volunteers for the rebuild, offered spiritual guidance, arranged the parents’ marriage, secured full-time employment for Victoria, and provided temporary housing for two months.
Deputy mayor Crystal Swartz supplied daily essentials and parental counselling in the lead-up to the handover.
This gift represents more than material support – it is a commitment to community, resilience and care,” a Footsteps for Africa representative said.
Pastor Mario Strauss of Jubilee Ministries added that the new home symbolises “a new way of life, one that has God at the centre,” highlighting the importance of spiritual reinforcement and family stability.
The Uirab family – parents Sikat, a taxi driver, and Victoria, and their four children – escaped unharmed after the blaze in September, thanks to the father’s quick actions.
The family includes their eldest son, Blessing, who has a heart condition. Victoria also previously struggled with postpartum depression following the birth of their youngest child, who was born with a cleft lip.
Rallying to rebuild lives
The handover showcased the generosity of local organisations, businesses, and church leaders.
Footsteps for Africa provided building materials worth N$13 315 and baby essentials valued at N$2 655.
Simunye Youth Development and Empowerment Organisation donated pre-loved household goods and a food hamper and pledged continued support through its soup kitchen project. Local media entrepreneur Loide Nantinda delivered clothing, shoes and toys; business owner Milano Henkert contributed children’s clothing, bedding, curtains and windows; and executive Itai Maposa donated toiletries and stationery worth N$1 000 to help keep the children in school.
Ruimte Primary School provided uniforms and trauma counselling for the two older children, while Jubilee Ministries and Community Services mobilised volunteers for the rebuild, offered spiritual guidance, arranged the parents’ marriage, secured full-time employment for Victoria, and provided temporary housing for two months.
Deputy mayor Crystal Swartz supplied daily essentials and parental counselling in the lead-up to the handover.
This gift represents more than material support – it is a commitment to community, resilience and care,” a Footsteps for Africa representative said.
Pastor Mario Strauss of Jubilee Ministries added that the new home symbolises “a new way of life, one that has God at the centre,” highlighting the importance of spiritual reinforcement and family stability.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article