What began as a devastating accident has ended in joy for 54-year-old Sipho Dube of Luhlangotsini, who yesterday officially received the keys to his newly built two-bedroom house from eMlembe management.
This follows the destruction of his former home by one of the company’s runaway trucks.
Dube’s house was severely damaged on October 25, 2024, when a runaway truck belonging to eMlembe crashed into the property.
Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident, although the house was left uninhabitable.
The accident occurred just minutes after Dube had left the house, sparing him and his family from what could have been a far greater tragedy.
Taking full responsibility for the damage, eMlembe constructed Dube a modern two-bedroom house with an indoor bathroom and kitchen.
The company also provided temporary accommodation for the family throughout the construction period.
The house was officially handed over during a ceremony attended by eMlembe management, led by the company’s Business Administrator, Sonia Levendale.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Levendale expressed gratitude that the company had fulfilled its commitment to restore Dube’s home.
“As a company, we are happy to finally hand over this house after the disaster that struck in 2024. We view this as a blessing not only for Dube and his family but also for eMlembe. We are pleased to see this beautiful home completed and ready for occupation,” she said.
Levendale thanked Dube and his family for their patience while construction was underway.
“This was not a disaster for Dube alone. It was also a difficult moment for us as a company, which is why we took pride in extending a helping hand. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the construction of this house and helped restore dignity to the Dube family.”
She also acknowledged the dedication shown by eMlembe employees who participated in the project.
Levendale said she still vividly remembered receiving the report about the accident.
“I remember the day I was informed about the incident. While it was heartbreaking to learn that the house had been damaged, I was greatly relieved to hear that no lives had been lost. That was the most important thing,” she said.
An emotional Dube expressed heartfelt appreciation to eMlembe for honouring its responsibility and ensuring that his family once again had a safe and dignified place to call home.
“I am very happy to finally have such a beautiful house that my family and I can proudly call our home. I sincerely thank eMlembe for being honest and taking responsibility for the damage caused by one of its trucks,” he said.
Dube also thanked the company for supporting his family during the construction period by providing temporary accommodation.
The handover marked the end of a difficult chapter for the Dube family and highlighted eMlembe’s commitment to taking responsibility and restoring hope following an unfortunate accident.
EMLEMBE IMPLORED TO ASSIST LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Pigg’s Peak Indvuna Mthobisi Vilakati has called on eMlembe to strengthen its community support initiatives.
He urged the company to ensure that communities in Bulembu and surrounding areas directly benefit from its operations.
Vilakati said eMlembe, which is well recognised even beyond the country’s borders, should expand its corporate social investment programmes to uplift neighbouring communities.
He stressed that development initiatives should prioritise local needs, especially in areas where the company sources and distributes its products.
He further raised concern over the company’s water operations, saying the communities from which the water is sourced should also see tangible benefits.
“The people must feel the presence of the company in their daily lives through meaningful development projects,” he said.
Vilakati commended eMlembe for honouring its commitment to rebuild the home of Sipho Dube in Luhlangotsini after it was destroyed in 2024 when one of the company’s trucks crashed into the property.
He said the swift response demonstrated responsibility and care for the affected family.
The indvuna encouraged eMlembe to build on such efforts by investing in infrastructure, youth programmes and other sustainable initiatives that improve livelihoods in the region.
He said continued collaboration between the company and local leadership would ensure shared growth and long-term community benefit.
