A Devastating Fire in Corhana Village Sparks Outrage and a Demand for Accountability
In the early hours of a quiet Sunday morning in Corhana village, Ngqeleni, Eastern Cape, tragedy struck. An ordinary night turned catastrophic when an electricity box explosion—allegedly caused by Eskom infrastructure—obliterated the Mazwayi family home, leaving six children and two parents with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
This Eastern Cape house fire now stands as a chilling example of the risks rural communities face due to outdated and poorly maintained electrical systems. The family’s cry for justice has ignited urgent calls for reform across South Africa’s power utility sector.
Explosion Linked to Power Outage and Faulty Eskom Box
Xabiso Mazwayi, 44, father of six, was jolted awake by what he first believed was a car crash. Instead, flames tore through their five-room home. The origin? A suspected electrical box explosion from an Eskom-installed unit in their yard—just hours after a power outage forced the family to cook dinner with a paraffin heater.
This Ngqeleni fire explosion raises serious questions about the safety of rural electrical infrastructure and how power outages can lead to deadly chain reactions.
Family Loses Over R150,000 in Property and Memories
The inferno wiped out all belongings:
- School uniforms and stationery
- Identity documents and birth certificates
- Clothing, beds, and furniture
- Recently purchased electronics and kitchen appliances
- Decorations and gifts for their twin boys’ upcoming 2nd birthday
The total loss? Over R150,000. The family had just renovated the home and upgraded their living space—now reduced to ashes.
Delayed Emergency Response Deepens the Tragedy
Community reports suggest emergency services arrived too late to salvage anything. By the time firefighters were on the scene, the entire house had collapsed in flames.
An Eskom technician showed up briefly to disconnect a wire from a nearby pole but offered no immediate support or explanation.
Eskom’s Response
Investigation Promised, But No Guarantees Yet
Eskom has since launched an internal investigation into the electrical box explosion and has advised the family to submit a formal claim with supporting evidence. While this may be a step forward, no compensation has been issued yet.
The broader concern remains: How many other homes are at risk due to aging Eskom infrastructure in rural communities like Corhana.
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Community Support Offers Temporary Relief
Despite the devastation, local leaders and neighbors have stepped up:
- Ward Councillor Nobuntu Nonkonyana raised R3,500 for emergency supplies like diapers and baby formula.
- The municipality donated a mattress and two blankets.
- The Department of Social Development is working to provide temporary housing.
However, the family’s long-term needs—like rebuilding their home and replacing vital documents—remain unmet.
Paraffin Heaters And Rural Fire Risk
A Broader Issue
This tragedy also sheds light on the paraffin heater fire risk in rural areas, where power outages force families to resort to unsafe heating and cooking methods.
The combination of load shedding, faulty Eskom infrastructure, and the use of flammable fuel-based alternatives creates a dangerous cocktail that disproportionately affects low-income communities.
Call for Accountability
Infrastructure Reform Now
This fire was not just a tragic accident—it was a foreseeable disaster. The Mazwayi family’s story demands action:
- Thorough audits of rural Eskom installations
- Faster emergency response systems in under-resourced areas
- Guaranteed compensation frameworks for victims of infrastructure failure
Conclusion
Rebuild, Reform, and Remember
The Mazwayi family’s loss is more than just a personal tragedy—it is a glaring indictment of South Africa’s fragile rural infrastructure. From Corhana to other rural towns, this incident must serve as a wake-up call for Eskom, government agencies, and communities alike.
We need:
- Safer electricity systems
- Faster emergency responses
- Real justice and reparations for affected families