In June this year, while at morning church service, Gogo Mahlase received the devastating news that her home had burned up in a housefire – leaving her, her daughter and five grandchildren homeless and destitute.
Gogo Mahlase is a beloved member of the Naledi community, having resided in the area since 1988. When residents heard of Gogo’s misfortune, they quickly banded together to offer moral support and shelter, while a longer-term solution was sought. Irvin Evans, a community member and employee of the Mall of Africa heard how Gogo’s life had literally gone up in flames and shared the news with his management team. Mall of Africa’s centre management were moved to approach the Attacq Foundation to ask if Attacq, the developers of Waterfall, could secure any assistance for Gogo and her family.
While the initial request was for basic necessities to survive the winter months, food, clothing and hygiene products, upon closer inspection, it was evident that the family would require significant more help. Understanding that this would require a wide-scale mobilisation, the Attacq Foundation then galvanised the support of suppliers, local businesses and community members to secure the necessary funds and technical skills to rebuild the Mahlatse family home.
Today, the keys to Gogo Mahlase’s new home were handed over to her at a community ceremony to commemorate the occasion. All stakeholders and community members involved in the project were present, with not a dry eye in sight as Gogo Mahtlse thanked guests and the Waterfall Community for their unwavering support during this trying time.
Melt Hamman, Attacq CEO, said at the ceremony, “The Attacq Foundation’s founding purpose is to be a catalyst for change in every community and area in which we operate. Sometimes this change involves large-scale projects and at others, it’s as simple as helping a community family get back on their feet. We are really proud to see how the Waterfall community has come together to extend a helping hand to one of their own. South Africa’s #strongertogether movement has yet another proof point of how our country’s people are banding together and making a positive difference in each other’s lives. Well done to all involved.”