A sombre mood hung over Itsani Matieni as the community said goodbye to the three Nobela siblings who died in a tragic house fire.
The children — Vhulenda Mbengeni (2), Phathutshedzo Nobela (3) and Vhugala Nobela (4) — were trapped inside their one-room home while playing inside. Their mothers, who are sisters, had stepped out for a short while.
The cause of the fire remains unclear, but it is believed the children may have found a box of matches and accidentally started the blaze. The incident occurred on Friday, 29 August, at around 11:00. The children's remains were burnt beyond recognition and had to be confirmed through DNA testing, the results of which were received last week.
Despite the funeral being held on a weekday — Thursday, 23 October — hundreds turned out to pay their respects. Among them were the mayor of Thulamela, Sarah Rambuda, members of the Makumbane Royal Council, local leaders and community members, all determined to give the three children a dignified farewell.
Businessman and philanthropist Collen Mashawana of the Collen Mashawana Foundation also attended. He helped organise the burial, is building a new home for the two young mothers, and offered them employment to help them rebuild their lives.
The service began at the Matieni family home and concluded at the local Mugumo graveyard, where the children were laid to rest.