By Ndivhuwo Mukwevho
- Thandeka Mbolekwa and Faith Seme fear their educational dreams are over after fire destroyed College of Africa accommodation housing over 500 students.
- Both students rely on bursaries covering accommodation and cannot afford to pay for outside lodging while the college seeks long-term solutions.
Thandeka Mbolekwa was sleeping peacefully when screams outside her window shattered her dreams – and possibly her future.
The 23-year-old from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape watched helplessly as fire destroyed the College of Africa accommodation building on Sunday morning, taking with it her only escape from poverty.
“I came here this year after being given a bursary by the college to study Social Work. The bursary covered my study fees, accommodation and food but now I am worried about what the future holds for me,” said Mbolekwa.
“I cannot afford to pay for my own accommodation outside of the school premises.”
She woke up to people screaming for her to get out of her room.
“I am still traumatised by what I witnessed on Sunday. Just imagine seeing a building you call home being burnt to ashes in front of you,” said Mbolekwa.
“Though I managed to save some of my belongings, I am hurt that I no longer have a place to stay, and I do not know if the college will be able to rebuild the accommodation again this year.”
For Faith Seme, 21, from Eswatini, the fire could mean the end of her South African dream.
She came to study at the College of Africa last year after winning a student bursary – her only chance at a better life.
“Getting an education is my only hope for a better future, which is why I chose to come to South Africa to study at College of Africa,” said Seme.
“But now I might be forced to go back home as I do not have a place to stay after the building I was staying at got burnt down.”
Both her parents are unemployed and cannot afford to pay for her studies. The bursary was her lifeline.
“Currently we have been offered temporary accommodation but I do not know for how long we are going to stay here,” said Seme.
“I just hope that they will find us another place to stay so that I can complete my qualification as I am only left with less than five months.”
The fire broke out during the early hours of Sunday morning at the College of Africa’s Mankweng campus, which has more than 2,000 students. The accommodation building housed over 500 students.
Fire brigades arrived too late – the whole building was already in flames. They managed to save other buildings, including college offices and classrooms.
Deputy Director of Student Support Alvania Seabela said they suspect a gas stove in one of the student rooms caused the fire.
“We are still shocked and traumatised because it is something we never expected, but we are grateful that none of our students were hurt during the fire,” said Seabela.
The college has found temporary accommodation for affected students and is providing professional counselling to help them overcome the trauma.
Classes will be suspended for 30 days while the college works on a long-term plan.
Pictured above: The college after it was burnt down.
Image source: Ndivhuwo Mukwevho
