Help Isak Ross rebuild his life after a devastating fire in Eagle Park

A devastating fire in Eagle Park has left grandfather Isak Ross struggling to rebuild his life after losing his wife and home, while caring for his eight-year-old twin grandchildren.

The fire broke out at the family’s Mama’s Housing home on Saturday, October 4, around 10 pm. Mr Ross’s wife, Yvonne, tragically died in the blaze, while twins Shannon-Lee and Shane van Wyk managed to escape after their grandmother woke them and urged them to alert neighbours. By the time the fire brigade arrived, Ms Ross could not be saved.

Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City’s Fire and Rescue Service, said the dwelling was severely affected by the blaze. "The body of an adult female was discovered, who had sustained fatal burn wounds and was certified deceased by medical personnel."

Sergeant Alridge Isaacs, spokesperson for Grassy Park police, said an inquest docket had been opened regarding the body found in the fire, and the case is still under investigation.

The family lost nearly everything in the fire - clothing, furniture, and essential documents like IDs and birth certificates. “All our clothes, furniture and documents were burnt. The house is badly damaged, and I have no way to fix it,” said Mr Ross.

The couple had waited years on the housing list, first living in Steenberg, then the Hillview informal settlement in Lavender Hill, before receiving their home in Mama’s Housing, where they had lived for ten years.

Mr Ross, a pensioner and part-time tiler, said he went out when the fire struck. He is now staying with a family in Steenberg, while the twins are living nearby with another family.

At Buck Road Primary School, teachers have been bringing meals to support the children.

The funeral for Ms Ross took place after DNA testing confirmed her identity.

Mr Ross said he had since replaced vital documents, but the two-room RDP house still needs a structural assessment to determine if it can be rebuilt. “I just want to rebuild our home so my grandchildren can come back,” he said.

Marcia Stoffberg, a fellow Steenberg church member who first alerted Southern Mail to the tragedy, has been helping the family. “I assisted Mr Ross in replacing the family’s documents and am exploring further ways to support him,” she said. “The house has no insurance, and he is personally responsible for rebuilding. A qualified contractor or inspector is needed to determine whether it can be repaired, but despite our efforts, progress has been slow.”

She added, “Mr Ross’s work tools were also destroyed, leaving him without income. He is doing everything he can to maintain stability for the twins, but this family has reached a breaking point. We are appealing to the community to help with building assessment, materials, labour, donations or referrals,” she said.

If you want to assist the family, call Mr Ross at 073 123 6902 or Ms Stoffberg at 073 969 2883.