One of Site C’s oldest and biggest creches, Lukhanyo Educare Centre, was destroyed in a fire last week.
Residents frantically fought the blaze on Tuesday May 5, breaking doors and windows to free three staff members who were trapped inside while firefighters were still on their way.
A distraught founder of the centre, Reverend Raymond Qhaqana, said the upside to the tragedy was that it occurred during lockdown when there were few people on the premises.
“The fire moved so quick it would have killed a lot of children. The damage is huge and we are waiting for the insurance to assess and see where they will help,” said Mr Qhagana.
He said he built the centre from scratch in 1996 and now that he is pensioner it will be a struggle to repair the structure on his own.
It caters for 360 children and is also used as the community soup kitchen.
“We lost a lot of stuff here.
The soup kitchen furniture, school desks and other furniture were destroyed. Our people are getting hungry now because we cannot cook them soup,” he said.
Community leader Thembinkosi Qondela said it was sad that such an an iconic part of Site C had been destroyed.
“Almost everyone in Site C started their education at Lukhanyo and I would like to appeal to them to assist in rebuilding this important centre, “ said Mr Qondela.
If you want to help them call 078 573 6372.