Residents rescue teacher

News
THE Victoria Falls community has launched a fund-raising campaign to assist a teacher who had his government issued house and property destroyed by a fire last week.

THE Victoria Falls community has launched a fund-raising campaign to assist a teacher who had his government issued house and property destroyed by a fire last week. Nokuthaba Dlamini Own correspondent

Property worth hundreds of dollars belonging to Augustine Sibanda went up in smoke after the house where he was staying caught fire. Sibanda teaches at Chinotimba Primary School.

The campaign is targeting donations in cash and kind to assist Sibanda and his family who are now staying in a room that was not burnt within the house.

Sibanda’s family lost certificates, identity particulars, two beds, two fridges, sofas, a room divider, television set, stove and many electrical gadgets.

Only a bed and few clothes that were in the main bedroom were rescued. To compound the family’s problems, they have been ordered to leave the house with immediate effect because it is considered unsafe.

Victoria Falls ward 7 councillor Norris Nyathi said the community was mobilising resources to help Sibanda’s family.

“We have designed some donation forms that are distributed in the whole town to help our fellow member,” he said.

“The response is very positive; so far Elephant Hills Hotel have donated bedding sheets and blankets, a television set, food and other items.

“Other residents are chipping in everyday donating money, property, clothes and other valuables to help the family,” he said. Nyathi said their aim was to rebuild the house if permitted by the local authority.