A CHRISTMAS Day outing turned into tragedy for a Tongaat couple after their home in Sandfields was destroyed by fire while they were away celebrating at the beach. But with the community’s help, the family is slowly getting back on their feet. 

Raveen Ramdhani, 60, a truck driver, and his wife Annie, 57, who is unemployed, had left their home on December 25 to join Annie’s family at Umdloti Beach when the fire broke out. 

According to Raveen’s older sister, Shakila Ramlakhan, a retired teacher who lives on the same road, the couple received a call while en route informing them that their house was on fire and had to turn back immediately.

Ramlakhan said her son was the first to notice the blaze. 

“My son, Shiven, just stepped outside after lunch and saw fire coming out the back door. We were worried as we did not know whether they were in the house or not.”

Community members attempted to help, but the fire spread rapidly. 

“That is when my son, along with the other boys on the road, tried to put the fire out. However, it did not help. Soon the two-bedroom house was engulfed in flames.” 

The fire reportedly broke out at around 6.30pm and was accompanied by several explosions. Although neighbours managed to cut open the gate and confirm that no one was inside the house, the structure was completely destroyed.

“We could hear a huge explosion one after the other. By the time my brother and his wife got home, it was too late. My brother was upset. He tried running into the house to save whatever he could, but nothing could be done. He lost everything on that day. The only thing he had left was the clothes on his back.”

Ramlakhan added that the couple, who she described as living “hand to mouth”, stayed with her for a few days following the fire.

“They are not well-to-do people. They battle with money, so this happening to them was very sad.”

Members of the community then rallied to provide the family with shelter, food and clothing. 

“The help came from the wider community, driven in part by social media.” 

Chantal Naidu, known as ‘the Aunty from Tongaat’ on social media, said she received multiple distress calls on the day of the fire.

“I quickly realised which house and family it was. We went to the home where emergency services were already trying to put the uncontrolled fire out. We were happy when we realised that Annie and Raveen were not in the house.”  

Seeing the extent of the damage, Naidu turned to her large TikTok following for assistance.

“Everything in the house was burnt. They lost all their belongings. I decided to use my TikTok to help get assistance. Since I am the deputy chairperson of the Sandfields Ratepayers and Civic Association, I felt it was my duty to help my community.”

She said the response was overwhelming. 

“I only asked once and the next day donations came pouring in. The association, along with many donors like Ricky Naidoo from Venkpac, were able to help the family. We could not help them stop the fire, but we were able to help them with donations to make their lives easier,” said Naidu.

@thatauntyfromtongaat #thatauntyfromtongaat #foryoupage #foryou #fyp ♬ Beatiful Day – Euphoria

Sanjay Sewsanker, chairman of the Sandfields Ratepayers and Civic Association, confirmed that the funds raised were used directly to assist the couple.

“With the money which was raised, we were able to pay for four months’ rent for the couple at a new rental property, one road away from their previous home. The family will continue paying thereafter,” said Sewsanker.

He also addressed rumours circulating in the community. 

“Many people have been speculating that we raised R300 000. That was not the case. All that we raised is already being used for the family. I am not sure where this rumour has started from,” said Sewsanker.

The family were also given groceries, appliances, clothes and furniture.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but the family is grateful to have escaped unharmed. 

The POST

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