My housemate wrote about the incident that has kept me quiet these past 4 weeks and I’m so grateful because then I don’t have to repeat it… Thank you to everyone who has been checking in, we are okay.
The Day It All Began
Written by Siyanda Boyana, 20.
It’s amazing how we take the beauty of life for granted, including the blessings we have, until a life-changing event occurs. One day you are carrying out your everyday routine, lie in bed, pray to God and thank him for all that you have, assuming that the following day will turn out exactly the way you expect. You expect that the new day will bring opportunities for you, that you will learn new things and get to enjoy the blessings that many people do not have. These optimistic expectations sat in my subconscious in the early AMs of the 24th of August as I lay in my bed texting my girlfriend. It was a good evening, as we expressed our feelings for one another and chatted about what we wanted for the future of our relationship. I realized that the electricity had gone off so I decided to go to sleep with the hopes of waking up to electricity and a beautiful new day. Oh, if only I knew.
That Fateful Morning
My peaceful sleep was disrupted by loud knockings which I initially assumed were on one of our neighbors’ doors. This knocking continued however, so I looked outside of my window to see who was knocking and I saw our neighbour running in the opposite direction from our door, indicating that it was her who had been knocking like a mad person. The knocking also woke my mother up who came out of her room asking what that was about. As the both of us stepped outside of our rooms, my mother proclaimed that “something’s burning”. It was only then when I realized that there was smoke blocking our visibility and we ran downstairs to see if the oven had been left on overnight, only to find that it was left off. We ran back upstairs in our pursuit to identify where the smoke was coming from and we witnessed the fire in the spare room which is right next to my bedroom.
I panicked.
I cannot accurately recall what was going through my mind, but I will never forget the shock that I was in. Shock that a fire which could have possibly burnt down the whole house had started right next to my room. My mother tried to take out the fire with a large bowl of water, but it had little-to-no effect. We went out of the house and found the security guard who had been called by the next-door neighbour and he said he was going to run back and fetch the fire extinguisher. The weather outside was symbolic and resembled the mood of the situation; it was a cloudy morning, with drizzles of rain showering upon us as we panicked and tried to find our way around the situation.
The security guard and I ran to the security room to fetch the fire extinguisher while my mother stood outside the house in shock of what was happening to her house. We arrived at the security room and just as we started running back to the house, the security guard stopped in his tracks and went back to the security room with the fire extinguisher, as if there was something which he had to urgently attend to. I was too anxious to ask him why he stopped, so I picked up the fire extinguisher and proceeded to ask two of the complex’s gardeners if they knew how to use a fire extinguisher, to which they answered no. I decided to run back to the house with the fire extinguisher in my hands without a single clue on how to use it nor experience in using it. When I arrived back at the house, I tried reading the manual and told my mom that I did not know how to use it when she asked me if I did.
While this was happening, the fire was only getting worse as it shattered the window of the room. The security guard and the two gardeners (who must have probably been informed of the situation) came running back and the security guard grabbed the extinguisher from me. They ran inside the house to diffuse the fire and I followed them as I did not like the idea of sitting on the sidelines as a part of my house was on fire. We ran inside the dark house and reached the room where the fire was coming from, and the security guard had a difficult time taking it out because the fire was too much handle from such close range.
We ran back outside and a new strategy was attempted. By this time, our neighbours had stepped outside of their homes to witness the fire that was taking place in our house. The security guard attempted to diffuse the fire from the ground as he aimed the extinguisher into the room through the cracked window. This strategy was not very effective however, and one of the gardeners decided to fetch the hosepipe as this would diffuse the fire at a much faster rate. At this point, one of the neighbours decided to help us out and they started spraying the water into the first-floor room from the ground. The fire started going down and it became safer for us to enter and try and extinguish the fire from inside the house. It was a mess inside, as the fire led to the geyser bursting, which resulted in warm water showering down on us. The water coming from the geyser contributed to damaging the roof & ceiling which was falling and tearing apart. Nonetheless, the group of brave men in the complex assisted us in taking out the fire with the hose while we were waiting for the firefighters, who only arrived 30 minutes after my mother had called them. By the time the firefighters arrived, the fire was already at a minimal and they proceeded to take out the last of the fire which was there. As I watched these men take out the fire, I was wishing that the experience was a long nightmare that just didn’t want to end, but I came to terms that this was indeed my reality and that a part of my house was on fire. The room was completely damaged, including the wigs my mom had left in the room, the chest of drawers and everything that was inside it, and a few luggage bags. It was a surreal experience for the both of us.
Aftermath
After the firefighters diffused the fire, they took a statement from my mother which was followed by her filing a case at the police station. The initial belief was that the iron had been left on in the spare room because the helper had been using it the day before, but this did not appear to be true because the socket that the iron had been plugged into did not show any signs of starting a fire (we later learned that it was an electrical fault that occurred on the other side of the room which we never use).
Nonetheless, it was very difficult for my mother and I to process the situation. I, for one, was not able to concentrate in the class that I had a few hours after the fire, and everything replayed in my head as I had to come to terms with the fact that, that moment where my mother and I realized that there was a fire could have been our last.
My mother on the other hand was just as devastated, probably even more than me. In one instance I tried speaking to her and she asked me to give her some space as she needed a moment. It was shocking at first, but I understood because she had to witness the house of her dreams being burnt down right in front of her eyes, while also having to deal with the admin that comes with handling house fires. My mother is someone that always has a plan and does not let her emotions get the better of her, but it was that day when I witnessed her being in true shock and disbelief like I had never seen her before. This realization hit me when I asked her what the plan was and where we were going to sleep and she replied: “I don’t know Siya, there is no plan”. It was almost as if she was annoyed by the question, but more frustrated about the fact that she had no clue what was to come next.
That night was the first of many trips to Airbnb’s.
A trip to Welkom in Free State for a family gathering a few days after the fire helped mediate the stress for the short-term, but as soon as it ended, we had to face our new reality of finding places to stay and sleep. At the time of writing this, my mother and I are living in our third Airbnb, excluding the hotel room we slept in after we left another Airbnb that did not have warm water. It is fortunate that my mother can afford booking comfortable accommodation for us, and this made me question at one point, what I would have done without her. Although we were fortunate enough to find places to sleep until we found a rental (we will be moving into one soon), it was a draining experience, particularly on my mother’s end who had to deal with insurance, costs, and the mere reality that a part of her house got burnt down. I understood that it was a lot for her to deal with, so the best that I could do was stay with her through those tough times as my way of supporting her and letting her know that she was not alone. It is fair to say that this incident helped me grow in the sense that I realized the importance of being there for a single parent when he/she has nobody to support them. I might not have had the financial means to help alleviate the stress, but mere presence and support is by no means irrelevant.
Speaking of helping me grow…
What did I take from the experience?
The obvious lesson anybody would take from this experience would be to live life fully as the unexpected could happen at any point, yet as cliché as it sounds, it is one of the most important things you can learn. My mother and I both went to sleep with the assumption that we would wake up the next day and experience no sort of problem, however we were so close to dying and suffocating in our sleep. It also made me realize how much we take our comfortable everyday way of living for granted. My routines and environment became so normal to me that I did not for one second take the time to sit and appreciate the beauty of my life. It was only once I was exposed to chaos, that I could appreciate the true order in my life.
On a more individual aspect of growth, I recognized that not having a father figure with us (my mother and father are not together) meant for me to step up and be the man, whatever that meant. For me, it meant being strong in the midst of adversity, being there for my mother and helping out where I can. It was a very humbling experience which brought me face to face with the fears and uncertainties of not having a comfortable place to stay. It is not an experience that I wish on anybody, but I am grateful for going through it as it enabled me to go through these changes and face the challenges that life unpredictably bestows upon us.
In the end..
As I write this, I do not have an idea as to when everything will go back to normal, but until then, my mother and I have no choice but to remain strong. I hope that whoever reads this recognizes the importance of appreciating one’s own life and the comfortability that they may have in that moment, because in the blink of an eye it could all go, without your knowledge even.
Written bySiyanda Boyana. 20.
IG: @SiyandaBoyana
I am so sorry for what happened to you and your mom. This must be so devastating especially now during this pandemic. I hope you guys pass through this. Your mom is such ana amazing and lovely woman and what happened to you guys is so unfair and unfortunate. Please let us know how can we help. What can we do to assist you guys until everything is sorted. We will raise you up in prayer and assist you guys. May the universe be kind to you and we are so grateful for your life. All we thankful is that you guys are doing well alive and we grateful for Life. We love You guys and please be safe.
I’m so sorry Lelo and Siya. Sending you my 💕💕.
I’m so sorry about this Sis’Lelo and Siya. Siya relayed this so gracefully and I am not taking this message he is passing on for granted.
UThixo abanani.
So sorry for what has happened. May the Good Lord strengthen you and your family during this difficult time.
Ya neh, so sorry for what happened to your family. Just when I finished reading this, my mind started some sort of a replay of a similar fire incident that happened at our home a few years back,all I can say to you is that it will definitely pass with time,what you have lost you’ll definitely replace, I’m grateful for the lives that are spared and being given a chance to still live. Oh and I have a scar because of the fire(got burned on my left arm),I call It my tatoo just to console myself because nobody ever asked how I am feeling after the incident. Stay blessed.
I am so sorry for what happened to you and your mom..I hope you guy’s pass through this.. We are thankful that you guys are safe and may God keep you safe..
My heart!!
I’m so glad you guys are okay.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Thank you for sharing..
Oh I am so sorry for this experiencing, there are no words hey. As a single mother I wonder how I would have handled this situation. My thoughts are with you
Am so glad that both of you are alive to share your testimony.
Sending you both so much strength. Glad you could speak on it and hopefully it provides some sort of healing
I pray that God continues to give you strength to get through each day. 💕
I am so sorry for you and your mom. May you forever be the anchor to your mom. God saved you this time and will do even in future.
Stay blessed!
I cannot even begin to imagine the magnitude of this nightmare you both survived. Extremely grateful you made it out in time and are safe.
💐💐
So sorry for what happened to you and your mom. Glad that you are all safe 🙏🏿
Joo bathong Siya I’m an old friend of your mom I’m so sorry for what happened to both of you, above all we thank God for your lives God is good. This was quite a traumatic incident but I thank God even for the lesson that you learned, your Mom is truly blessed to have you in her life.
Oh Lelo, Siya this tore my heart. I can only imagine what you’re both going through. I’m so sorry, my heart hurts for you both. Thank God for sparing your life. My prayers are with you. Until you find your feet, Love Kgaogelo
Thank you for sharing, Siya.
We praise God for your safety and well-being.
Keep strong.
😔💔 Oh Siya! Praying for you and your mom
Oh Lelo, am sorry for this and I am glad you’re both safe.
I am so sorry for your experience. We thank God your lives were spared ❤️
Oh Lelo and Siya. My word so shocked but sooo soo greatful that both of u are alive. May God see u through all of this. Much love
I’m so sorry Siya and Lelo. Thank God that you were both not harmed. I wish you strength as you go through the process of rebuilding.
I am soo sorry Siya and Lebo, I thank God you are alive and pray that God gives you strength to deal with this. sending my love🙏🏾
LELO😥😥😥
😭💔 as long as you guys are okay your mom she’s a strong woman she will bounce back and rebuild that part of a house that burnt down… support her every step of the way because she needs you now more than ever… actually you guys needs one another to get through this situation… le boemong bona entse ele modimo 🙌🙌🙌
I am so sorry Lelo and Siya. We thank God for your lives and your kind neighbour for waking you guys up 🙏🏾
Wishing you strength as you go through the process of rebuilding everything 💐
Oh Lelo. I’m so sorry to learn of this tragic accident. Nxese ngwaneso. I jav eno words. This made me cry as I’m also a single mother.
Strength to you and Siya
❤️💕🙏
God never fails..he will be with you throughout..so sorry you had to go through such an ordeal with your mom..may you both find strength to move on from tjis traumatic experience..all the best.
We are so grateful your lives were spared. Hope you guys are recovering well from the experience and things are getting better.. we’ll keep you in our prayers.
Sending you lots of ❤️
I’m so sorry that you had to go through such a horrible experience. We thank God that you and your son are safe.
I’m so sorry Siya and Lelo! ❤️Keeping you in thoughts and prayers.
UThixo abenani bethuna, uyayibona nale and nempendulo yaziwa nguye. Yomelelani niMthembe
Love and Light Lelo and Siya🙏
Siya, how sad that such a beautifully written piece details such a harrowing experience you and your dear mom had to endure. I’m so sorry you had to go through this experience. But I appreciate the learnings you share with us and how this has impacted you personally, and your growth. Indeed it’s through hardships that we always learn even more and grow more. We thank God for saving you both and blessing you with the gift of life. Well done for taking care of your Mom. You’re a Legend Chana, and continue writing! x
We thank God for the gift of life❤️❤️❤️ I am so sorry that you had go through that.
Ohh Siya and Lelo my thoughts and Prayers are with you. If you need anything please shout so we can help 🙏🏾
So sorry Lelo and Siya, we thank God for sparing your life and the kind of neighbours you have to go out of their way to make sure you are aware of what was happening.
Beautifully written Siyanda, I am so sorry that you and your mom went through all of that and are still going through it. What’s important is that you guys are safe! You will be in my prayers.
Thank you everyone ❤️