A powerful storm tore through Lethabong informal settlement in Mamelodi East, Tshwane, on Friday, 31 January, leaving over 60 shacks and even a brick house destroyed. The storm, marked by fierce winds and heavy rain, flattened homes and upended the lives of many residents. As they sift through the wreckage, families are calling for urgent assistance after losing their homes, belongings, and, for some, their only means of transportation.
Arnold Madileng, 35, is one of many residents grappling with the aftermath. His five-room shack was completely destroyed, and his Toyota Corolla was crushed when the structure collapsed on top of it. “I lost everything, as you can see. My shack is down, and my car wasn’t spared by the wind,” he said. Unemployed and without resources, Arnold faces the daunting task of rebuilding from scratch. Similarly, Dumisani Mahlangu, 38, estimated his losses at over R20,000, lamenting how the storm undid months of progress on his home. “I’m still building, and this has taken me ten steps backward,” he said.
Another resident, Dikeledi Maila, 41, shared her struggle after the roof of her two-room shack was ripped off, exposing her belongings to the rain. “Clothes, property, food—everything is gone. I’m not working, and I don’t know how I will replace what I lost,” she said. Ward 100 community leader Tonia Chabalala underscored the desperate need for help, urging authorities and organizations to step in. “The heavy storms destroyed our shacks. We need immediate support for the families affected,” she pleaded.
Tshwane Emergency Services acting spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni confirmed that approximately 280 people were impacted in Lethabong, while nearby Mooiplaas informal settlement saw 21 homes damaged, affecting 56 people. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Disaster Risk Management officials are coordinating relief efforts, providing basic necessities to those affected. Additionally, private organizations, including the Shoprite Soup Kitchen, have stepped in to offer food assistance, but many families still face an uncertain future as they work to rebuild their lives from the rubble.
