Family face being left in the cold
Unpaid debt may see tent ripped away
ATENT roof sheltering a tornado-ravaged family of four could be ripped away – this time by bureaucratic delays.
The unemployed married couple with two children are sleeping in a roofless home in Mdantsane after it was ripped off by a tornado 54 days ago on January 2.
Andries Magwaxaza and wife Thembisa and children aged nine and 15 sleep in a house covered with a marquee.
The tent roof was rented by Ward 48 councillor from a local marquee hiring business at a cost of R900 a week. The family survives by selling ginger beer.
Last night the family was to sleep under the stars after the owner of the Mdantsane business Felicia Tshazibane, 65, threatened to remove her marquee due to unpaid debt.
After paying R2 700 for three weeks from her own pocket, councillor Vuyiswa Mpanza said she had run out of money.
Mpanza owes Tshazibane R4 500 to cover five weeks of rent.
Magwaxaza said when it rained the family had to squash into one room because three rooms had leaks.
“When the rain stops, my nine-year-old boy must get on top and sweep water from the sail. It is embarrassing and is a safety hazard to the boy.”
A furious Tshazibane said if she did not get her rent the tent would be removed.
“I am taking my sail back because I am a businesswoman. That marquee should be generating me money elsewhere instead of sitting there at the Magwaxaza household while I receive nothing.”
Speaking to the Saturday Dispatch yesterday, Mpanza said she had no choice but to let the businesswoman take the tent.
“I’ve tried my best. I couldn’t bear the sight of the family suffering, but I don’t have money anymore.”
Mpanza said arrangements for a temporary shelter for the Magwaxazas was being processed and that officials from BCM and provincial human settlements department had inspected the home.
“Plans are already in place for the victims to receive their temporary shelter.”
Asked why it had taken two months, Mpanza said: “Provincial processes take time.”
Mpanza, in her second term as councillor, said she did not know what stage the process was in.
BCM spokesman Sibusiso Cindi is yet to reply to e-mailed questions. — malibongwed@dispatch.co.za