The Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) donated R10,000 to the Phenduka family in Mandela Park, Khayelitsha, after a fire destroyed their four-room house last week.
The family suspects the fire started when their brother, who struggles with drug addiction, fell asleep while smoking or left something burning.
Codeta president Fikile George said the association couldn’t ignore the family’s need for help.
“Community leaders asked us to assist in rebuilding the house. We believe that if someone comes to us crying, they shouldn’t leave crying, and that’s why we stepped in,” said George.
This isn’t the first time Codeta has supported local communities.
“People often only focus on the bad things [in the taxi industry], but we’ve been helping the community regularly. Last month, we donated R5,000 to a young girl going to Botswana for a modelling event,” he said.
Nomahlubi Phenduka, a family member, said: “I was shocked and speechless when I heard about the donation. I never expected this from the association.”
The family plans to use the money to rebuild their home.
Phenduka also shared her fears after the fire.
“I still struggle to sleep, thinking we almost died. We had to escape through the window. I pray for more donations so we can rebuild and replace our lost furniture,” she added.
Ward councillor Mthwalo Mkutswana thanked Codeta for their help.
“I’m happy for the family; now they can begin to rebuild,” he said.
Pictured above: The Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association donated R10,000 to a family that recently lost their house in a fire.
Source: Buziwe Nocuze
