Zimbabwean businessman teams up with SA govt to help family left homeless after fire

A Zimbabwean businessman Jackson Mukahanana, based in South Africa, who owns Chihwa Tours and Chapani construction has teamed up with the government and Builders Warehouse to help restore  a house that was gutted by fire, leaving a six-member family homeless in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town.

Mr Reagan Swartz's  Eastridge house was extensively damaged after an electrical fault sparked fire which spread across the ceiling destroying all household furniture.

Reagan and his wife Athena, who are both unemployed, say they lost all their clothes and documents in the blaze.

The move which has been spearheaded by the Provincial Minister of Human Settlements Bonginkosi Madikizela will see Builders Warehouse providing building materials while Chihwa-owned Chapani Construction doing all the renovations and restoration of the house.

"This is part of our efforts to give back to the community and it is our pleasure to help this family during this difficult time. As Chihwa, we will always be ready to help members of the community who may find themselves in situations like this", said Jackson Mukahanana.

The Parow Builders Warehouse manager Bennie van Graan said he was glad to be part of the initiative as it shows that "we are not there to make profit only but to help when disaster strikes".

The family has thanked the Minister for leading the charitable gesture and the involved partners for rescuing the family after the traumatic accident.


Part of the house that was damaged by fire.