Hundreds of mourners gathered in Soweto over the weekend to bid farewell to three members of the Xaba family who tragically lost their lives in a devastating house collapse in Doornkop. The emotional funeral service brought together relatives, friends, neighbours, community leaders and local officials, all united in grief and solidarity following the tragic incident that occurred in late December.
The victims — a grandmother, her daughter and her young grandchild — died when the double-storey house they were sleeping in collapsed during the early hours of the morning. The sudden tragedy sent shockwaves through the Doornkop community, leaving residents struggling to come to terms with the loss of a family that was widely loved and respected.
The atmosphere at the funeral service was heavy with sorrow as speakers shared heartfelt tributes and memories of the deceased. The grandmother was remembered as a pillar of strength in the community — a kind, prayerful woman who always opened her home and heart to others. Neighbours described her as someone who ensured no one went to bed hungry, often feeding people even when she herself had very little.
Community leaders echoed these sentiments, saying her passing represented a loss not only for her family, but for the entire neighbourhood. Many noted that she played a quiet yet powerful role in uplifting those around her, offering guidance, comfort and support during difficult times.
The deceased daughter was remembered as a gentle, caring young woman with a calm spirit. Friends spoke of her generosity and warmth, describing her as someone who treated everyone with respect and kindness. Her young child, whose life ended far too soon, symbolised the deep pain and injustice of the tragedy, drawing tears from mourners throughout the service.
Family members, visibly overwhelmed by emotion, thanked the community for standing with them during their darkest moment. They expressed gratitude for the messages of support, prayers and acts of kindness that had poured in since the tragedy. One family member said the large turnout at the funeral reflected the love and respect the deceased had earned through their actions and character.
Amid the grief, a message of hope emerged when a well-known philanthropist announced that plans were underway to assist the family by rebuilding a safe and dignified home. The announcement brought a moment of relief and applause, offering reassurance that the surviving family members would not be left homeless in the aftermath of the disaster.
Local government representatives also addressed the mourners, using the tragedy to highlight the dangers faced by many families living in unsafe structures due to housing shortages. They called for urgent action to improve access to safe housing and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in vulnerable communities.
As the service drew to a close, mourners reflected on the lives lost and the painful reminder of how fragile life can be. Despite the heartbreak, the funeral stood as a powerful testament to community unity, resilience and compassion — a promise that the memory of the Xaba family will live on as Doornkop continues to heal and rebuild.
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