WATCH: Maringa calls for help to renovate his storm-damaged house

On the afternoon of Tuesday, 23 November, the village of Nwaxinyamani saw a storm not to be forgotten soon. When Believe Maringa realized that something was not right, he went outside to take a look. Heavy rain was pelting down and a fierce wind was blowing.

“I rushed back inside and tried to hide from the storm in corners in the house, but it was not safe at all. In a split second the whole roof of my two-room house was blown off completely. I had to seek shelter in my 1998 Mazda 323,” said Maringa.

Maringa (38) has lived in Nwaxinyamani village Ward 13 under the Makhado Municipality for four years with his girlfriend and their two children. Fortunately, on this fateful day, he was alone at home.

Maringa worked as a program manager at Vision FM radio station from May 2020 to May 2021. His contract was only for one year, but he expects to be called again soon. “I really thank my neighbours who rushed to help me save some of my belongings, but my video cameras, laptops, television and other belongings were damaged by the rain,” he said.

For the next three days (23 to 25 November) his car served as his bedroom. “I called my ward councillor but could not get immediate help. I later called the Vhembe District Municipality Disaster Management for help, who delivered a 5m x 5m tent late that Thursday. I could not pitch it in the dark, so I pitched it the following day.”

When Limpopo Mirror visited Maringa the following Monday (30 November), he was still busy trying to put things in order in the tent. Some of his damaged belongings were neatly packed in the corners of the damaged house. “At night I have to carry all this stuff into the tent where I sleep, in case they get stolen,” he said. His girlfriend and the children are staying with his in-laws for the time being.

“I am humbly asking for help to renovate my house. Any form of assistance would be greatly appreciated,” he said.

News - Date: 02 December 2021

Bernard Chiguvare

Bernard Chiguvare is a Zimbabwean-born journalist. He writes mainly for the online publication, Groundup.

Email: [email protected]