Foundation comes to aid of veld fire victims

INSIZA - A family from Leviydale Dryvalley in Ward 13, Insiza North, is beginning to rebuild its life after receiving assistance from the Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo Foundation following a devastating veld fire that destroyed its homestead.

Mr and Mrs Job Hove lost their home, household belongings, turkeys and stored maize meal when a fire swept through their property on September 23. The blaze is believed to have originated from the Zvamandere bush area.

Ward 13 Agritex officer Letween Kwangari said investigations into the cause of the fire were still underway.

"We are not yet sure of the exact cause of the fire. We suspect a technical fault; something might have burst in the bush area," said Kwangari.

In response to the family's plight, the Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo Foundation donated five 50kg bags of maize, totalling 250kg, as well as blankets to assist the family during the recovery process.

Foundation director Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo, who is also a senior Zanu-PF member and an elder at ZAOGA Forward in Faith Ministries International, said the intervention was inspired by Christian values and the Government's development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.

"I am an ardent believer in the Word of God. We are trained to care for the weary and the broken-hearted," said Nkomo.

"I bought blankets for the Hove family soon after the incident and transferred money for five bags of maize. I liaised with Cde Jacob Vaka Nyoni to source maize from nearby villagers to cut my 60km delivery cost. This marks the fulfilment of our pledge to rescue the stressed family."

Nkomo encouraged the affected family to remain hopeful despite their losses and called on communities to stand together during difficult times.

"We are really sorry for your loss. All human beings are spiritually equal. Let us comfort one another in times of sorrow to tackle blood pressure and stress. Fear not, family, God will provide. May God lead you along the path of healing and peace," she said.

The foundation's intervention has inspired additional community support. Lambamai Khuluma Usenza Association from Ward 20 donated maize to the family, while churches and local villagers also joined efforts to assist.

The assistance comes as authorities continue urging communities to exercise caution during the veld fire season. The Environmental Management Agency has repeatedly warned residents against activities that can trigger uncontrolled fires and encouraged the public to report outbreaks promptly.

The Hove family's experience highlights the devastating impact veld fires can have on rural communities, often destroying homes, food reserves, livestock and other valuable assets.

For the Hove family, however, the support received from the foundation and community members has provided a vital lifeline as they begin the difficult task of rebuilding after the disaster.