FREE STATE MEC SUPPORTS ALLANRIDGE FAMILY AFTER DEVASTATING FIRE

By Thembile Nqabeni

• Free State MEC for Social Development Mathabo Hlalele provided support to a family whose home was destroyed by fire in Allanridge.
• The Department, in partnership with the South African Red Cross Society, delivered emergency relief and social assistance.
• The incident highlights the importance of community partnerships and electrical safety awareness.

Free State MEC for Social Development Mathabo Hlalele has extended support to a family in Allanridge following a devastating fire that destroyed their home in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The fire, which broke out at around 1:00 a.m. on 16 April 2026, is believed to have started in a shack before spreading rapidly to the main house. While the exact cause of the incident is still unknown, faulty electrical wiring is suspected to have contributed to the blaze.

Although the family lost their home and belongings, no lives were lost. However, the grandmother required medical attention after inhaling smoke during the incident.

MEC Hlalele, accompanied by the South African Red Cross Society, visited the family to provide comfort and immediate support following the tragedy.

During the visit, the Department handed over essential relief items, including beds, clothing, and kitchenware, to assist the family as they begin rebuilding. The family also received support through the Social Relief of Distress grant.
Addressing the family, MEC Hlalele expressed relief that the incident did not result in loss of life and reassured them of continued support.

She highlighted the importance of partnerships in responding to emergencies, noting that the Department was able to mobilise assistance through collaboration with stakeholders who contributed donations.

MEC Hlalele also used the opportunity to raise awareness about electrical safety, urging community members to ensure that their homes have valid Certificates of Compliance.

She stressed that proper electrical installations, carried out by qualified professionals, are critical in preventing incidents of this nature.

The visit underscores the Department of Social Development’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable families during times of crisis and ensuring that affected communities receive the assistance they need to recover and rebuild their lives.