On the 23rd of January 2021, tragedy struck Masauso Sakala, owner of Ultimate Fishing Safaris, when a solar battery exploded causing a fire that ravaged their family home, burning all their personal belongings and leaving them stranded without a home. At a time when the affects of the COVID-19 pandemic had already impacted the family due to a downturn in tourism, the loss of their home and everything they owned was almost unbearable.
In true “Victoria Falls” style, the community stepped up and stepped forward, as fellow stakeholders and individuals rallied around to provide the family with donations of clothes, furniture, linen, appliances and food, whilst assisting to get materials and labour to ensure the family home is rebuilt as quickly as possible. In just under three weeks, the rebuilding of the Sakala’s home has taken shape with most of the brick work for the house walls having been rebuilt. The builders have this week started plastering the house and roofing sheets have been ordered. The generosity of the community has extended to providing food for the volunteer builders helping to get the family back into their home.
The family are still trying to fundraise to get the required materials to finish off the timber, floors and windows, but the progress of re-establishing the Sakala household in such a short space of time is nothing short of miraculous, and is a true reflection of a community that genuinely cares for its fellow residents.
If you would like to assist the Sakala Family please kindly contact Yvonne Jandles on yvonne@routesthruafrica.com who has been helping coordinate the donations to the Family.
