- A fire in the Taiwan informal settlement destroyed over 20 shacks, leaving more than 50 people, including school learners, homeless.
- Learners Inga Mpantshukelwa and Anathi Qondiso lost uniforms, books and other school necessities, impacting their ability to continue with studies during exam time.
- Inga’s mother, Liziwe, is especially concerned about her daughter’s education and appeals for public support to help the learners with school supplies and uniforms.
A group of learners whose school uniforms were destroyed in an inferno that swept through Taiwan informal settlement in Site C on Sunday 27 October is appealing for public support.
The learners were left destitute when at least 20 shacks burnt down, leaving more than 50 people homeless. The cause of the incident is still unknown.
A Grade 8 learner from Intlanganiso Secondary School at A section in Site C, Inga Mpantshukelwa (14), said life had been tough since the incident occurred. She said she lost all her belongings, including books and school uniform.
Inga said she received a uniform from one of her friends who completed matric last year, but she still has no school shoes.
“I wear sandals at school. I informed my teachers of my plight,” she said, adding that the school had given her textbooks to prepare for the coming exams.
“We started the final examination on Wednesday 30 October. Everything is going well so far. I am coping even though it is tough.”
READ MORE | Taiwan informal settlement fire leaves over 90 homeless, residents appeal for help
A Grade 11 learner from Qhayiya Secondary School, Anathi Qondiso, said she lost almost everything. “Only my school uniform was left because it was on the washing line when the shack fire started. I managed to take my school bag out, but other books, including text books, burnt. The shirt I wear at school was from my elder brother. He wore it last year.”
She appealed to the community to assist in whatever way possible.
Inga’s mother, Liziwe Mpantshukelwa, said she didn’t know where to start as she was unemployed. She said she was concerned about her daughter’s plight, especially that it may affect her studies.
