But, thanks to the combined intervention of three private sector "Good Samaritans", Christmas has come early for the Moiane family - in the form of a gift that includes not only a new home, but also replacement furniture and clothing.
The Gauteng-based organisations that came up with the rescue package are independent commercial radio station Jacaranda FM; alternative building technology company Vela Building Solutions; and online insurer instantlife.co.za.
The R35 000 project was initiated by Jacaranda FM's Good Morning Angels feature, which is sponsored by instantlife.co.za. Vela Building Solutions manufactured, delivered and erected the home - a Vel'ekhaya unit worth R25 000 - on the cleared site of the fire-ravaged shack. More than two-thirds of the finance for the project was provided by instantlife.co.za.
Vel'ekhaya is a cost-effective and relocatable solid-panel modular housing unit that can be bought off the shelf, transported in a flat pack, and easily erected by four people in just three hours (with the use of basic tools).
"Vel'ekhaya is not only an ideal step-up from substandard housing, but can also be used as a backyard rental unit; emergency housing or shelter; temporary classrooms; contractor camp accommodation; temporary offices; and store rooms," said Vela's founder and CEO, Brent Harris.
