Three years after violent storms swept through Ha-Long village in Mantšonyane, destroying homes and leaving families destitute, Au Moleko and his neighbours are finally seeing a glimmer of hope.
In 2022, a storm transformed the usually clear skies into dark, menacing clouds. Winds grew stronger by the minute, ripping through the village, uprooting roofs, and leaving Moleko’s two rondavels in ruins.
“We ran for shelter, but it was too late. Our houses were destroyed in minutes,” he recalled. Neighbours faced similar devastation, with roofing sheets blown away and families left with nothing.
The aftermath forced Moleko, a widower, to share a single room with his son and daughter-in-law, compromising the family’s privacy and creating awkward living conditions.
Unemployed at the time, he had no means to rebuild his home. The small, shared space became a daily reminder of the loss they endured.
Hope returned in March this year when the Disaster Management Authority (DMA), a government agency tasked with disaster prevention, mitigation, and recovery, delivered a new two-roomed house to Moleko.
“Seeing the foundation being dug was the first hope I felt in years,” he said. “This house is more than a roof over our heads. It is a place to preserve memories, find warmth, and feel a sense of belonging.”
While the house is yet to be furnished and powered, Moleko is determined to make it a home filled with hope and new beginnings. “I want to thank the government for building houses for me and my four neighbours. We reported this matter to the chief and councillors, and construction started in December, ending in February this year. May God grant favour to this government so that it does not discriminate against us, the citizens,” he said.
The storm’s devastation was a stark reminder of the vulnerability of rural communities to natural disasters. For Moleko, the new house marks not just physical restoration but the start of a new chapter, one that promises resilience, hope, and the chance to rebuild life for his family.
Summary
- Hope returned in March this year when the Disaster Management Authority (DMA), a government agency tasked with disaster prevention, mitigation, and recovery, delivered a new two-roomed house to Moleko.
- While the house is yet to be furnished and powered, Moleko is determined to make it a home filled with hope and new beginnings.
- For Moleko, the new house marks not just physical restoration but the start of a new chapter, one that promises resilience, hope, and the chance to rebuild life for his family.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He focuses on parliament, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and court reports. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
