An elderly woman and her son lost their home in Gulu, outside East London, when it went up in flames on Tuesday.
Myra Pienaar, 74, and her mentally challenged son Mark, 40, were on their way to a braai in Gonubie when they received a call from a neighbour to tell them that their house was on fire.
She said she had to cut her trip short and return to the location where she could do little as they watched their home being engulfed by an inferno.
All that are left are ashes and a shell structure as they lost their furniture, medication, appliances, food, clothes and other necessities.
Pictures of her home were posted on social media platforms on Tuesday with an appeal to the public to assist the family.
A good Samaritan has offered a four-room temporary structure to to assist them while she goes about rebuilding her life.
A drive for donations such as clothes, non-perishable food items and other necessities is under way.
She said the cause of the fire was unknown.
“We watched our home burn down. I have no idea what could have caused the fire,” she said.
Shock and disbelief were among her emotions during the ordeal.
“There were such big flames and I was devastated. Yesterday, I was still in shock and it is today that I realised that this hits home. I lost everything. I am only left with the clothes,” she said.
“By the time firefighters got here the flames were almost over.”
Pienaar said they spent the night at her sister’s home in Beacon Bay.
Donations from people have started pouring in, including two beds, clothes, crockery and cutlery.
The pair both rely on social grants for income.
“I do not know what I will do. I would appreciate assistance to rebuild my home. My son cannot work since he is disabled,” she said.
Gulu Private Resort manager Michael Ahlschlager said the owner of the holiday establishment had allowed the home to be given to the family.
“We were moved to assist because she had nothing. The structure was vacant. So far a lot of people are donating necessities to her,” he said.
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.