THE eThekwini municipality has come to the aid of an Umlazi family who lost two of its members after a rock fell on their shack.

Bongiwe Mgeyane, 38, and her eight-year-son Sanele died instantly when a gigantic rock fell, flattening their shack in the family yard in K-section while they were asleep on Saturday night.

It is believed that the rock was dislodged by the recent heavy rains.

Mgeyane and her son moved into their "new house" last month.

Bongiwe's father, Hlakaniphile Mgeyane, described the incident as very painful.

"When I moved into this house, after renting for a long time, I thought my hardships were finally over. But it seems they are just beginning. Moving here has cost the lives of my children," he said.

eThekwini municipality's Masakhane - Grants in Aid committee chairperson Zandile Gumede said the municipality's disaster management unit had already provided short-term relief in the form of blankets and food parcels for the family.

Gumede said the housing department would provide a temporary shelter for the family and they would be moved to another house at a later stage.

"We have undertaken to help with all the funeral arrangements because the family is very poor," she said

"Our housing department will also construct a temporary shelter for the family while we look at other options available for their relocation."

Meanwhile, the department of local government has called on businesspeople to lend a hand to the latest flood victims in Jozini, northern Zululand.

MEC for local government and traditional affairs Nomusa Dube said the government was running out of money to help the victims.

"We call on businesspeople to help. As government and department we are running short of money to help the victims.

"At this stage our disaster management team is still assessing the extent of damage after which we will make a comprehensive report to Premier Zweli Mkhize," she said.