Collen Mashawana Foundation steps in to rebuild Vosloorus family home after devastating fire

The Collen Mashawana Foundation has stepped in to assist a Vosloorus family whose home was destroyed by a devastating fire.

The foundation, led by its Chief Operating Officer Austin Mashawana, visited 65-year-old Simon Mahlangu on Monday, 17 August 2026, following the fire that destroyed his home in Vosloorus, Gauteng.

According to the foundation, the fire was caused by a candle that had been lit for prayer.

Mahlangu, who is a person with a disability, was left without a home and lost essential belongings, including his wheelchair. He has also been relying on crutches after having his right leg amputated.

During the visit, the foundation delivered a new wheelchair to Mahlangu and committed to rebuilding the family home.

Mahlangu expressed his gratitude for the intervention, saying the support had given his family hope after losing everything in the fire.

The foundation said the assistance forms part of its commitment to restoring dignity and providing support to families facing difficult circumstances.

“When a family loses their home, they lose their sense of security and stability. Our commitment is to stand with Mr Mahlangu and his family, rebuild their home and help restore the dignity, safety and hope that this tragedy took away,” said Austin Mashawana.

The foundation will now begin preparations for the reconstruction of the Mahlangu family home.

The project is expected to provide the family with a safe and dignified place to live while helping them recover from the devastating loss.