Returning Home After the Fire | My Rural South African Farmhouse Journey

*Title: "Returning Home After the Fire | My Rural South African Farmhouse Journey"*
*Description:*
After months of hard work, emotional turmoil, and reflection, I’m finally back at my rural farmhouse in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Three weeks ago, a devastating fire engulfed the house that has been my passion project for the past four years. This home, built on my ancestral land, symbolizes so much more than just bricks and mortar-it's a testament to resilience, growth, and honoring my roots.
The journey to get here has not been easy. From building this 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom modern farmhouse with love and intention, to losing it all in a sudden blaze, I’ve faced challenges I never thought I’d have to overcome. Yet, here I am, standing stronger than before. This home is more than just a house-it's part of my mission to uplift the community and change the narrative of rural living in South Africa.
Join me as I take you through this emotional return, reflect on the aftermath of the fire, and share how I plan to rebuild stronger, with the spirit of ubuntu guiding me. It’s not just about restoring the physical space but also rebuilding the dream that this house represents: a future full of possibilities for our village and the people who live here.
If you've ever faced setbacks and questioned if you could rebuild your dreams, this video is for you. We rise, we rebuild, and we keep moving forward.
Thank you to everyone who has been supporting me along the way-your encouragement means the world. Stay tuned as I document every step of the rebuilding process, from construction to community upliftment, while staying true to the values of honesty and perseverance that my family holds dear.
Let’s continue this journey together.
#HouseRebuild #FarmhouseJourney #EasternCapeLiving #SouthAfrica #ModernFarmhouse #HouseFireRecovery #BuildingMyDreamHome #Resilience #AfricanHomestead #UbuntuLiving #RebuildingAfterFire #RuralLife #HomeOnAncestralLand #CommunityUpliftment #SouthAfricanFarmhouse #Homecoming

[@nokwazishezi7580]

This fire story is really questionable 💔🥺 may God protect your house because you are such an inspiration

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Exactly 💯

[@lisanomafola6804]

Ingca inde and abantu abatsgayayo balahlanje into yomlilo sana ezilalini akho bantu bobhula sebekhona bayohluleka coz uhamba nomoya obhudlayo

[@amandakhanyase8523]

​@@lisanomafola6804 this is exactly what happens where I am. The grass is the problem and in the dry season we burn the grass around our yard so that when the fires come they don't get into the yard.

[@mkthamenace7791]

Umlilo wona uqala njani?

[@sontomonakali5086]

Dnt frustrate yourself thinking twas caused deliberately. There's so many houses like yours in all the villages whose owners are also all over the country/world. Fire season siyayazi thina bahlali baseMzantsi brought abt by wind and drought... happens even along the Garden Route

[@lmx113]

We pray for MamDee u have encouraged some ofus to work hard❤❤❤

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@ladyd2.014]

I am also building in Kenya from overseas and the pains you are documenting is what I’m going through 😢😂 if you can’t laugh at it you will die of heart attack, people lying, exploitation😅 But don’t take it to heart, your house will be done eventually and you will look back at your resilience.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you so much for your encouraging words and I wish you all the best of luck.

[@MKL_D]

Managing things remotely is a challenge without a project manager who knows how to manage people.

[@godfreyphalatsi4671]

Mama Dee you have invested a lot in the property, i propose you find a reliable caretaker. I also have caretaker for peace of mind in my absence ❤

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you for the advice. Definitely working on it

[@sontomonakali5086]

@@godfreyphalatsi4671 In fact she needs a couple without kids with them of course. They can take turns to go see kids at home so that the property isn't ever left alone

[@ChinookChgdngs]

fixmyproperty AI fixes this. Returning home after fire devastation.

[@zinziswamani5777]

Mama Dee, I’ve been following your journey with the house and even made a few of my friends follow your channel. The latest developments are devastating, but I’m glad there isn’t much damage to the property🙏 Please do not be discouraged, you almost at the end. May God continue to protect you & home, you are blessed 🤍💫

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you so much for your continued support ❤️

[@khayakazihlonitshwayo5272]

Your house is so amazing mamaDee fix it and keep doing the best of it

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@siyabongadlamini7852]

Welcome back home, I wish you put underoof secreet cameras throughout the roof and get them unlimited wi-fi and monitor via your phone where ever you are ,people can be very jealous

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Yes I have to beef up security for sure.

[@thandekambhamali6074]

The back yard view is absolutely stunning sana.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you :)

[@MKL_D]

Breathtaking landscape.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@phumelelemabizela866]

The house looks amazing mamaDee, don't give up from what I'm seeing it will be amazingly worth it. I'm really inspired to start saving for such🎉

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

I will not give up my friend, thank you 🙏 😊

[@zukiswampalweni207]

Welcome back. All the best. All will be well.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you so much 💓

[@isabelnobuhleshabane1279]

I love your calmness in this fire situation en that you came prepared that you will put your nose down en clean. Wish that you could find a person to guard your house who will be honest en be responsible for duties given. Would camera's help, to be installed in your yard too? Welcome back dear MamaDee in your warm house. What was the issue with electricity? And you were able to fix it yourself though your guy directions en guiding you. Take care🤗

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Hello thank you for your empathy. Yes, I have yo sort these things out. Fire started out of camera range.

[@ninamohlala8254]

Welcome home Mama Dee...glad everything was in order..

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you sweetheart 💓 😘 💗

[@Embo-t5z]

I think mama dee you can also have paving just around the house as a fire deterrent/ vibacrete wall

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Yes, I know why they have that now around the house.

[@MadzRapha]

From the drone footage, you can clearly see that the fire was targeted. I'm so sorry about this

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

I don't know why would anyone want to hurt my house.

[@Marysmmiiith]

Safe journey queen❤

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@nondumisof]

You look gorgeous my African Queen.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

You are so kind, thank you 😊 🙏

[@nondumisof]

Trust God everything is going to be fine.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Exactly my friend 🧡

[@heros922]

Beautiful Mama Dee was without phone for 2x weeks I'm glad I'm back on line..

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Welcome back my friend 🧡

[@AfricanPrideX]

You might have to pave right round the house to prevent veld fires reaching the house. Paving around the perimeter fence with broken red brick might be cost effective yhooo but the yard is big. Brick makers do sell broken bricks for nothing just to clear their sites. Then you can use that path around the perimeter for jogging and walking.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Yho literally my heart is breaking as I read this, the cost 💔

[@phumlampoqane]

Welcome home. Don't stress God protect your house I'm frm South Africa

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@anelisiwelandu8208]

My heart sank when I saw this on X😢

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

I was so grateful when I finally assessed the damage.

[@sinokuphilakekezwa9704]

Your house is beautiful mama ..

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@MmaMohau]

Welcome home mamaDee

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you so much 💓 💗 💛

[@princenikki]

Watching through ❤ well done for staying positive and getting the job done ! You got this !

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@nompepogoniwe]

Sorry for all the troubles.. Where is your 🏠 situated . It's stunning I see you have neighbours now It will better if you have someone looking taking care of your house❤

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Yes, working on it.

[@Paxie.mas4652]

Beautiful house Sisi. Sorry for the fire❤

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@lulama_kay2705]

Your home mami🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@ompabi59]

Eastern cape is dangerous with crime. You must be careful and be safe. Killing there is too much😢

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Crime is rising here but we are pushing the police to do their job and the police are coming hard on them.

[@zandilembatha1297]

Beautiful house. Definitely, something is fishy with the fire. It's unexplainable how it got there.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

I know, that is the mystery

[@siyamthandagoniwe8681]

Hi mama dee welcome back home, i was soo relived when you said the damage was not as bad as you had anticipated. May god protect you and your home. I can't wait to see more house to home content i enjoy it a lot

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you so much my friend 🧡

[@Onedon29]

That's a beautiful house ❤

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@R1M1r1m1]

The fire damage doesn't look that bad thank goodness. Will you be putting a bookcase in your reading nook?

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Yes but fence poles need to be replaced

[@felvr705]

Mamma Dee you must get fire extinguishers for the house. Also put someone in the house to look after the house when you're not there

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you, yes I'm working on that.

[@nomahlubijaba6349]

I'm sorry Mama Dee I'm also expiriencing that too mynecsomeonecbroke broke into it do the damage and take the generator and when the community pha, ezlalini find the person we then know that it's someone we know who always go to our house to see hubby when we there but the community gathered and tell them to bring the generator and they get the panishment that they deserve but now we are fixing the damages and the cost Yhoo people are cruel yaz we just need to be strong and I like it when you sad awuzuvumela kwamntu akuhlukumeze❤️

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Story of our lives sadly. I'm glad they got your property back and the community stood up for you.

[@nomahlubijaba6349]

@@mamadeebuildsahouse I'm glad too❤️

[@ayandamboneli6185]

Your home is beautifully done, you have worked hard!!I would fly back to check too.... huge investment. Glad the damage was minimal. Just a suggestion, the best solution ekhaya is to get SOLAR!! GAME CHANGER!! I have done that. No more load shedding. Get a good company who are accountable to fit it in for you not uncertified person. It will cost you, but it's a one off investment. You've done so much you may as well spend.😊

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thanks so much! I'm definitely considering solar.

[@ABCDEFG12163]

Yeah no .. that fire skipped so many areas and houses before yours. Only thing that makes sense is that it was intentional and I’m so sorry. 💔 Your best bet is to install a water system as expensive as it is (borehole, sprinklers etc)

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

That was my observation too.

[@Her_Self..]

Guys on a scale pf 1 to 10 how bad was the damage. Everytime l try to watch this. I really feel a lump on my throat. As someone buulding oh my word l cant even begin to imagine the pain.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

The Most damage I've seen is on fence and some plumbing pipes. Of course paint on the garage side mostly from the fire but not as bad as I thought.

[@mariamaguma2496]

Welcome back mommy ❤❤❤

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@LwandoMabuda]

Welcome back mama dee ❤

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you so much 💓

[@zandygumede8609]

Love you cc wami❤

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Love you too mntase.

[@nomagcisacawe3297]

Don't stress so much about who/what caused the fire. Your property is in the grasslands of the Eastern Cape. During the dry season a cigarette but can cause a major fire. Dry grass & wind = fire hazard. Good luck for the rest of your project!!

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you, I know it is dry season and fire season. But in the whole village, only my house and shop had direct fire.

[@nomagcisacawe3297]

@@mamadeebuildsahouse Maybe someone passing by your house dropped a ciggie. We are grateful that the buildings were not affected. Sukucinga kakhulu,unika u satane Amandla!

[@kholekaposwa732]

@@nomagcisacawe3297 no ways this is witchcraft shame sorry

[@thandiswantswayi9919]

The guest house would do for me sana place called home but jah one day ..am happy your house was not damaged MamaDee

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

I love the guest house too much

[@MogomotsiBodigelo]

Luv your house dear, keep up the good work ❤

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@danielncube2879]

Beautiful home

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@Eagleeyesecurityspecialist]

❤❤❤❤ Mama Dee

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Hello 👋

[@ThobekaThotho-l4g]

Welcome back sana 💖💖💖🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you so much Sisi

[@brodavidmandy]

yhoo Sister congrats on your house, I know the lies from people back home, I have most loads of money, am based abroad as well...

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

The sense of entitlement to your hard earned money is what gets me.

[@siyasamkelajinoyi9291]

So inspiring, can you please share more about security measures you put / one can put in a village house other than burglars 🙏🏽.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

I will thanks my friend 🧡 and 😊

[@OMY-GD]

You need to build a wall all around, except in front. Mustn't be too high (for better view), and must be fitted with sharp post extenders. That wall will prevent fire and reptiles from outside into your property. The sharp steel post extenders will make it difficult for thieves to climb

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Exactly whaf I don't want. I wanf farm life and not township life

[@xoliswasivunda7161]

Thank God your house is safe mama Dee, mamaDee can you use the microphone next time im struggling to hear you on some parts of the vlog. ❤

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you my friend. And I do have a microphone.

[@phiwe_ndams4588]

You are so gorgeous gorgeous Mama D❤❤😊

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@SthabileGoqo]

yho so inspired by you Mama but umona kubantu abamnyama get someone to live there.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Enkosi sihlobo

[@GonoAndWives]

I'm very sorry and if you really need someone to look after your house please let me know.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you, I will.

[@ChooseU4ever]

In SA the sun sets from the east, west, north, south…. Hahahaha that was funny, it just goes to show how our education system is like.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Lol I thought that was funny

[@moretlomokoena897]

In Dammam airport they weigh cabin bags before immigration, anything heavier cannot pass.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

I know, I was crossing my fingers throughout.

[@katlehokomeke]

Please insure your home.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Yes I have. Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@nosiviwelivi5160]

Ndicela ukuba ngu Auntie walomzi 🙏

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Eish I wish I co uld afford abantu abaninzi for ujonga

[@andiswagcolotela9133]

I had a disappointing experience at Mugg & Bean and promised myself never to go back again.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Really? One of the restaurants I still enjoy here at home.

[@keyamosala2383]

I never eat there all over SA 😮

[@xoliswavambanenjokweni]

Ndiyayithanda le ndlu ndibukela oko .Enkosi.nditsho ndanomdla wokokha ezilalini. Uxolo ngomonakalo owenzekileyo.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Enkosi sihlobo .

[@unathi_pinky]

❤❤❤❤

[@nikitaplugs7812]

Mama❤

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Hello Beautiful ❤️

[@82pattycake]

Just curious why didnt you build closer to urban areas, eg Cove Rock just outside East London. Im thinking its such a nice house but is going to be so expensive to upkeep and you're not close to amenities, even if u retire there, theres no hospitals, police stations, good schools, etc. access to all the amenities one would want for a good quality of life for future generations. Employment rates are so high, inflation is high.

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

I'm hoping to be healthy. Things are changing and i need more land

[@valentefredericks86]

so sorry mama Dee, all will be well😇

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

I hope so. Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@Jakdennnnnnn3d333]

Question: where did you get your floors from and what is the shade called? They are beautiful!

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Pls see my "all about floors video or end of phase 3 video

[@zeezan231]

MamaDee likhona inyawo le mfene. 😢

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Unyawo lwemfene yinto yomntu wow

[@82pattycake]

U see? Abantu abamnyama and their superstitions. Unfortunately that ain't insured

[@ayandambanjwa5810]

NOTIFICATION GANG!!!☀🌝🌝

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Oh yes! Thank you, I love notification gang even more ❤️

[@nomfundomcetywa3099]

Please do insure you house MamDee ngoba abantu banomona

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Yes, I'm working on it

[@madeitthroughentertainment1658]

Abantu basemakhaya lie yho!

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

uthetha ukuthini?

[@dot510]

​@@mamadeebuildsahouseNam ndisazibuza!

[@madeitthroughentertainment1658]

@@mamadeebuildsahouse Ndithetha ngababantu bangaka bakuxokiseleyo. Its like they don't understand that you take their word at face value.

[@Mapule-r4q]

Hahahaha sometimes the sun comes this way sometimes the sun set that way. what an unpredictable sun😂

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

lol sunset, sunrise, all same thing to them lol. I thought it was an innocent misunderstanding.

[@Irriswhartirris]

Oh no... 😢😢😢

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you.

[@ncisept5900]

Sakhula kubabelwa emadlelweni, the fire was never allowed to come close to people's houses

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Injalo, le nam ndandiyibuza

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Injalo, le nam ndandiyibuza

[@zelmabooysen628]

Mamma dee how much is this house plan please

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

This one isn't available yet. But I have others on my website: travels with mamadee, you can Google it.

[@thabolenong6923]

Nice house but wrong location

[@hlumandimakwekwana1894]

what do you mean?are we suppose to stay in the cities forever,while we were born in the villages?🤔

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

What is the right location?

[@kwakha6103]

💔

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you 😊 🙏 💓

[@sugar6718]

Sisi ndiyayithanda ilali yakho iphi nam ndifuna inxiwa qha ndifuna ilali esafe ngoba ndifuna ukufuya

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you, yho I can't comment kweyamanxiwa

[@beebee2409]

Sourh African airways takes 7 hours

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

From where?

[@lisanomafola6804]

Umlilo wamadlelo yhoo my mum call me athi ubuhlanti butshile igusha zisindile

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Umlilo wamadlelo otshise umzi wam qha kulalali.

[@MatfoboMagagula-yc2zm]

Dit is jaloerse mense wat dit gedoen het, ek is jammer

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Thank you my friend, so true.