Randfontein fashion designer reeling from impact of thunderstorm that destroyed his home
Thirty-five-year-old Leroy Gobi, who operated his tailoring business from his living room, is one of hundreds of people displaced by a storm that ravaged Randfontein on Tuesday.
The Greenfields Estate suffered damage when a level 2 thunderstorm struck Randfontein on 27 November 2024. Picture: Alpha Ramushwana/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - A Randfontein fashion designer is reeling from the devastating impact of a massive thunderstorm that destroyed his home and place of business.
Thirty-five-year-old Leroy Gobi, who operated his tailoring business from his living room, is one of hundreds of people displaced by a storm that ravaged Randfontein on Tuesday.
The thunderstorm tore through the area, leaving dozens of people injured and some fighting for their lives in hospital.
As Gobi welcomed Eyewitness News into his home, four mannequins can be seen in his living room, displaying carefully crafted tuxedos.
The tuxedos have been ruined by dust and debris from a collapsed ceiling, and the garments he made for his clients can no longer be delivered.
For Gobi, this work is his livelihood and the thunderstorm that ravaged his business has left him uncertain about how long it will take to rebuild.
"My clients' stuff was destroyed - dresses. They got us a new space, but there is no electricity, so I don’t know how I’m going to do that."
Scratching his head in deep thought, the fashion designer is hoping the government will step in to help him rebuild following the thunderstorm.