A family's journey of healing

ALMOST one year after Rennisha Gounden was killed in the tornado that ripped through her Tongaat home on June 3, 2024, her husband said their family was slowly trying to heal from their loss.

- NADIA KHAN

Viven Gounden said it was initially difficult for him and his son, Virenn, now 8, to come to terms with the tragedy.

However, through counselling, a strong support structure and continuing with activities that they had enjoyed as a family with Rennisha, they began coping with their loss.

Rennisha, 39, of Rama Road in Sandfields, was killed after a brick wall collapsed on her.

On the day of the tornado, the senior primary teacher at Mitchford Primary was at home with Gounden, an advanced midwife; Virenn, and her 74-year-old mother, Manormani Reddy.

Recalling that fateful day, Gounden said it was around 4pm and they were having an early supper when it started to hail.

“My son went outside to see the hail and I joined him once I was done eating. A short while later, we went back inside. Rennisha and I were watching the weather through our sliding door. My mother-in-law was sitting in the lounge. Suddenly, we saw a big cloud move across from the Newtown area towards us. Moments later my son screamed.”

Gounden said he immediately ran to his son.

“By this time the house was shaking and I used my body to protect my son. He was terrified and I was not sure what was happening. Minutes later, the situation returned to calm.