When a sudden fire consumed his family home in Etwatwa, 19-year-old Jove Tembe was left as the sole survivor. Moved by the devastating ordeal, compassionate strangers and loved ones have come together to support him, ensuring that he does not have to face the future alone.
Etwatwa, South Africa (19 November 2025) – Jovencio Tembe, a young man just starting his life, had it shattered by a sudden, violent house fire that claimed everything on the Sunday night of 9 November.
The family home at Steve Biko informal settlement in Etwatwa, a place of safety and memories, was tragically destroyed. More devastating, he was the only one to escape, losing his home, belongings, and entire family in a single night: his mother, father, and three siblings.
Now, 19-year-old Jove has been left with the overwhelming task of rebuilding his life from absolutely nothing while trying to process the trauma of this loss.
His story was shared by various news media as well as friend Camden Ravenscroft, who was moved to help this young man pick up the pieces. In doing so, she also launched a BackaBuddy campaign to help raise funds for his immediate needs and future.
“Jovencio Tembe is a young man with quiet determination and a real desire to build a better life. He has his matric and dreams of studying further, but right now, even his immediate needs are difficult to meet,” Camden shared.
In a touching display of a community coming together to support a young man who has lost everything through no fault of his own, the campaign, which started five days ago, has seen generous donors contributing towards his well-being and future, surpassing the R70,500 funding goal.
With funds currently sitting over R95,000, the public – loved ones and compassionate strangers – have stood in solidarity with a bereaved Jove during a dark time he thought he had no one.
These funds will help with food and daily essentials, assistance with securing a safe place to stay, access to trauma counselling and support to continue his education.
“Thank you to everyone who chooses to stand with him. Let’s show him he is not alone,” Camden said.
We extend our deepest gratitude to every donor who has shown Jove he is not alone. Our hearts and thoughts are with him, and may he find strength, healing, and peace on his journey.
Sources: BackaBuddy
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