Community helps two young brothers who lost their father in devastating house fire
The Lonehill community and Good Morning Angels have come together to support two young brothers after a fire destroyed their family home and claimed the life of their father.
On the morning of 23 May 2025, the lives of two brothers, 15-year-old Wandile and 19-year-old Lebo, changed forever.
A devastating fire destroyed their family home, claiming the life of their father and leaving the brothers with nothing but each other.
In a matter of minutes, they lost their father, their home, their possessions and the life they had always known.
Before the tragedy, Lebo was in the first year of studying towards a Higher Certificate in Legal Studies. He was preparing to continue with an LLB and pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. However, after losing his father, Lebo put his studies on hold and became the sole provider for himself and his younger brother. He found work as a waiter at a restaurant in Rosebank, working long hours for modest pay simply to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.
Wandile’s life changed just as dramatically. He was attending school in Lonehill, surrounded by his friends, teachers and the sports he loved. Like any teenager, he was looking forward to his future.
After the fire, the brothers moved into a small apartment in Alberton with a family friend. Without enough money for school fees or transport, Wandile had no choice but to leave his school and continue his education online, away from his classmates, teachers and the sporting life he loved.
Today, his greatest wish is a simple one: to return to school, play sport again, complete his final two years surrounded by his friends and teachers, and enjoy the opportunities every young person deserves.
Despite everything they have endured, the brothers have not lost the most important thing: they still have each other.
Lauren, a friend of the family, has now stepped in as the brothers’ caregiver. They have moved in with her family in an effort to bring some stability to their lives after a difficult year.
“We are so excited to welcome these two special children into our home and our hearts. Like any children starting a new chapter, they will need the basics to help them settle in and thrive. This includes food, clothing, transport to and from school and appointments, and medical aid to ensure they have access to the healthcare they deserve.
“While we are fully committed to giving them a loving, stable and nurturing home, we know we cannot do it alone,” says Lauren.
That is why the community reached out to Good Morning Angels.
Request for: Assistance for Lebo and Wandile, who are now in the care of Lauren.
Angel 1: Dimitra Adramitoglou, school principal
For Wandile, the school has committed to covering his tuition fees for the remainder of his academic journey.
The school’s trusted service providers have also generously undertaken to support Wandile with his school uniform, textbooks, stationery and educational camps.
For Lebo, Emeris, the college where he began his studies before being forced to drop out, is offering him a full tuition bursary to return and complete his Higher Certificate in Legal Studies.
Angel 2: The Good Morning Angels Fund NPC
The Good Morning Angels Fund NPC will assist Lauren in caring for Lebo and Wandile by contributing R10 000 per month towards their needs for 12 months.
This amounts to a total contribution of R120 000.
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