Vila Lisa Churches Unite to Support Grieving Family After Tragic Shack Fire

• The Vila Lisa Church has stepped in to support the grieving family after a devastating shack fire claimed the lives of four children
• The fire sparked a heartfelt response from the community, with neighbours and local organisations rallying to support the grieving family
• Churches have come together to support a family who lost everything in the devastating shack fire

Vila Lisa, Gauteng — In the aftermath of a devastating shack fire that claimed the lives of four young children, the community of Vila Lisa has rallied together in a powerful show of compassion and unity. On Sunday, 13 July, local churches came forward to offer much-needed support to the bereaved family who lost not only their children but also all their possessions in the tragic blaze.

Churches step up in a time of sorrow

The fire, which shocked the community and left many in mourning, destroyed the family's home and belongings, leaving them with nothing but grief and ashes. In response, churches across Vila Lisa and the surrounding areas took immediate action to assist.

Speaking to Briefly News, Lindiwe Xaba of the Dawn Park Methodist Church emphasised the church's commitment to social responsibility and the well-being of the community:

"It is our duty and responsibility as the church to come together, help, and uplift the most vulnerable in our community, especially when they have lost everything. We are the hands and feet of hope in times like these."

Xaba’s words reflect the sentiment shared by many congregations in the area, who believe that supporting those in crisis is central to their mission.

A community uplifted by compassion

The coordinated effort saw donations of food, clothing, blankets, and other essential supplies delivered directly to the affected family. Members from different denominations, including the Methodist, Catholic, Pentecostal, and independent local churches, contributed selflessly.

The family, visibly emotional and overwhelmed by the generous outpouring of support, expressed deep gratitude to the churches and community members who have stood by them since the tragedy.

"We are heartbroken, but we are also humbled by the love and support we’ve received from the churches. They have supported us since the accident and continue to help us through this painful journey," a family representative said.

More help is still needed

While the community’s response has been heartfelt and generous, the surviving family members still face a long and difficult road to recovery. They have not only lost four innocent lives but are now left without a home, clothes, or any of their belongings.

Church leaders continue to call on the public and local organisations to assist where possible, whether through financial contributions, clothing, or household items.

“We’ve taken the first step as a church community,” added Lindiwe Xaba. “But ongoing support is still urgently needed. We invite more individuals and groups to come forward.”

Honouring the lives lost

The memory of the four young children will forever be etched in the hearts of the Vila Lisa community. Their lives, though tragically cut short, have left a deep impact on all who knew them. In their remembrance, the community continues to hold them close in thought and prayer, drawing strength and unity from their shared grief.

3 More fire stories in SA

• A family of three were killed after a fire burned down seven shacks in an informal settlement in Cape Town, Western Cape, in February 2024.
• Two children lost their lives in a shack fire in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, in September 2024, and community members extinguished the fire but could not save the children.
• Thousands were displaced after two fires destroyed shacks in Johannesburg and Pretoria's informal settlements in September.

Source: Briefly News