A Newcastle mother and her three children are appealing for assistance after a fire destroyed their Arbor Park home, leaving the family without most of their possessions and facing the cost of rebuilding the property.
The fire broke out at the family’s Magnolia Street home on 22 July 2026.
While its cause has not yet been established, the property sustained extensive damage to its roof, ceilings, electrical infrastructure and interior.
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Speaking to Newcastillian News, Nomusa Ntombela recalled receiving the news while she was at work.
“While I am still not 100% certain how the fire started, I was at work when I received the phone call that my house was on fire, and it was an absolute shock,” she said.
Knowing that her nine-year-old and 12-year-old daughters would ordinarily have been home from school, Ntombela immediately left work and rushed to Magnolia Street.
Thankfully, the two girls had arrived home later than usual that afternoon and were not inside when the fire started.
“My girls were fortunately late coming home from school, as they would have been at home and doing their homework when the fire broke out. While they were safe, seeing my house burn down left me in a state of shock and confusion. It felt like I was dead on my feet,” Ntombela explained.
While no family members were injured, the fire sadly destroyed the home where Ntombela had raised her two daughters and son and accumulated approximately 20 years of family memories.
The family is currently staying with Ntombela’s sister while assessing the damage and determining how the property can be made habitable again.
Ntombela’s son, Tshepo Hlanga, said the fire had spread rapidly and left extensive damage throughout the house.
“The fire left nothing untouched. Our roof was destroyed, ceilings collapsed, rooms were gutted by flames, and almost every possession inside the house was either burned or severely damaged by smoke and water. My mother lost virtually everything she had worked for throughout her life,” he said.
Although grateful that everyone survived, Hlanga said the family now faces the financial and emotional strain of replacing essential belongings while attempting to rebuild the house.
“Today we urgently need help rebuilding not just a house, but our home,” he stated.
According to Hlanga, funds raised will be directed towards repairing the structure, replacing the roof and ceilings, rewiring the property and completing necessary plumbing work.
The family will also need to replace damaged doors, windows and flooring, repaint the house and obtain furniture, beds, bedding, clothing, school supplies, kitchen appliances and other daily necessities.
A portion of the support received may also be used for temporary accommodation and essential living expenses while the reconstruction work is undertaken.
“This is not simply about repairing bricks and mortar. It is about restoring safety, dignity and hope to a family that has lost everything,” Hlanga emphasised.
Furthermore, Ntombela said she remained deeply thankful to her sister for giving the family somewhere to stay.
However, she explained that returning to Arbor Park would restore both stability and the family’s connection to the place where her children were raised.
“I am extremely thankful for my sister’s assistance, but being able to return home with my children is not just about going home, it is about having security, a roof over our heads, and returning to a place where we created years of memories and lived in for 20 years,” she said.
Residents or businesses wishing to assist with building materials, household essentials or other practical support can contact Hlanga on 062 886 4967 or Ntombela on 071 080 4426.
The family’s immediate priority is securing the materials and funding required to begin repairing the damaged property and provide Ntombela and her children with a safe home once again.
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With the above in mind, be sure to leave your thoughts below and if you are able, be sure to reach out and show some support for this local family.
R500 000, and its tax free… my husband worked for AMSA for 37 years, when he applied for R500 000 from his pension fund also to do home renovations, Our Government taxed him +- R137 000, we got out R370 000 from his own pension… but to my knowledge was also taxed monthly when contributed.
You asking for a hefty amount…
The comments on this story represents a problem currently destroying societies globally. Shame on all of you. You are mean and lashing out at this family because you are hurting, that is not right. I am guessing, but this family probably does not have insurance, this is why they reached out to a news product for help. That took courage. No one want their problems presented to the public, unless they really need help.
To the lady who lost her mind about AMSA. Why do you feel you must compare everyone’s problems to yours? What does your husbands job and tax have to do with a family’s home burning down? I want you to know, you are loved and it is going to be okay. Stop throwing stones at people just to feel better about yourself. To this family, it is horrible to see everything you have ever owned go up in smoke. I hope the new home you build, is even better than the last.
Or maybe it’s a scam. Maybe she does have insurance and maybe she wants some extra money. Let’s hope the pastor is not a fraud like some of his colleagues and practice what he preaches.
So pastor Miles, did you contribute to this ladies fund? Or do you preach and expect other people to do it?
The fact that you do not show your name when smashing into me, reveals more about your character and your constitution than you think. That is something to think about.
My team and I do a lot of work with people around the province and it is always the broken or angry ones who swing at kindness. It is a weird pattern I have noticed over the decades. I am whatever you say I am, I cannot change your distained impression of me without us getting together and having a chat.
I am helping this family through a team member, as we do not look for pats on the back or social media likes. We just try and be there when the crap hits the fan.
I am also not a typical pastor. I know their are thousands of selfish, money hungry “collars” who rattle off scripture every Sunday and then act in total contradiction throughout the week. I have dealt with those pastors many times and have in fact punched one.
In Newcastle, I have met many pastors who should never work with people or be near a church. They use their titles to act all holy and special while they behave very differently behind the scenes, it is wrong and you are right to call out such people.
I am not a saint, quite the opposite. I am just a person of God, just like you who is trying to be their for other South Africans. I am sorry your life is not going well and you are carrying so much anger. I really am. I have been there on many occasions and it sucks. I hope life gets better soon. Take care, Miles.
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7 Responses
R500 000, and its tax free… my husband worked for AMSA for 37 years, when he applied for R500 000 from his pension fund also to do home renovations, Our Government taxed him +- R137 000, we got out R370 000 from his own pension… but to my knowledge was also taxed monthly when contributed.
You asking for a hefty amount…
And a payout from household insurance?
They should put in a claim with their insurance company. As easy as that!!!!
The comments on this story represents a problem currently destroying societies globally. Shame on all of you. You are mean and lashing out at this family because you are hurting, that is not right. I am guessing, but this family probably does not have insurance, this is why they reached out to a news product for help. That took courage. No one want their problems presented to the public, unless they really need help.
To the lady who lost her mind about AMSA. Why do you feel you must compare everyone’s problems to yours? What does your husbands job and tax have to do with a family’s home burning down? I want you to know, you are loved and it is going to be okay. Stop throwing stones at people just to feel better about yourself. To this family, it is horrible to see everything you have ever owned go up in smoke. I hope the new home you build, is even better than the last.
Or maybe it’s a scam. Maybe she does have insurance and maybe she wants some extra money. Let’s hope the pastor is not a fraud like some of his colleagues and practice what he preaches.
So pastor Miles, did you contribute to this ladies fund? Or do you preach and expect other people to do it?
The fact that you do not show your name when smashing into me, reveals more about your character and your constitution than you think. That is something to think about.
My team and I do a lot of work with people around the province and it is always the broken or angry ones who swing at kindness. It is a weird pattern I have noticed over the decades. I am whatever you say I am, I cannot change your distained impression of me without us getting together and having a chat.
I am helping this family through a team member, as we do not look for pats on the back or social media likes. We just try and be there when the crap hits the fan.
I am also not a typical pastor. I know their are thousands of selfish, money hungry “collars” who rattle off scripture every Sunday and then act in total contradiction throughout the week. I have dealt with those pastors many times and have in fact punched one.
In Newcastle, I have met many pastors who should never work with people or be near a church. They use their titles to act all holy and special while they behave very differently behind the scenes, it is wrong and you are right to call out such people.
I am not a saint, quite the opposite. I am just a person of God, just like you who is trying to be their for other South Africans. I am sorry your life is not going well and you are carrying so much anger. I really am. I have been there on many occasions and it sucks. I hope life gets better soon. Take care, Miles.
Pastor miles, kindly contact Raphah Ministries in Newcastle with regard to this matter.
email: [email protected]
Whatsapp text: 0618156309
Thank you
Pastor Sonja Luus
Co-founder
Raphah Ministries