Condolences from Mayor

EThekwini Mayor James Nxumalo has sent his condolences to the Cele family following the passing away of two children at Luganda in Marianhill on Saturday 26 October. The two children, Alwande Ngcobo (3) and Senamile Cele (3) drowned in a pit which filled up with water after heavy rains.

Mayor Nxumalo visited the family on Sunday.

Relaying the sad news to the Mayor, Senamile’s mother Xolisile said “I was carrying Senamile when it was raining heavily as the water was running into the house. When the rains subsided, I put her down to try and clean the house.”

She said she suspects that Senamile went to get her cousin, Alwande, so they could play outside. “I don’t think they realised how deep the pit was as there was water all over the yard.”

Xolisile said when they realised that their kids were missing they went to look for them outside and that is when they found them floating in a pit that was meant for a toilet.

Mayor Nxumalo said “On behalf of the Municipality, I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the Cele family, friends and loved ones. We want to assure you that the Municipality will meet you halfway with funeral arrangements.”

Member of the Cele family Bongani Mjoka said the family felt consoled by the Mayor’s visit and that of the local Councillor. “We feel very privileged to have leaders of your caliber. We want to thank the Mayor and the Municipality for offering to assist the family with funeral arrangements. We also want to thank our Councillor Mduduzi Gumede who has been with us since he heard of this incident.”

Meanwhile, the Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre was inundated with calls from distraught residents who were affected by the heavy storms on Saturday. The Municipality is still assessing the extent of the damage and will provide the necessary assistance to victims. Emergency teams remain on high alert and residents are urged to be vigilant at all times.