Shack-fire victims at Donkey Square informal settlement in Site B, Khayelitsha are appealing to the government to assist them with building material to rebuild their shacks. At least 34 shacks were destroyed by the fire on Saturday 6 December and left 146 people, including children, homeless.
Its cause is not clear. Thuthula Nqolo (52) said she lost everything during the shack fire, her cellphone the only thing left to her.
“The incident started after 20:00. I was at our local Spaza shop buying a drink when I heard people shouting, many screaming ‘Fire! Fire!’ The seriousness of their screams didn’t sink in, as I had just come from my shack. Only on my way back I saw people running up and down carrying buckets of water. As I was walking between the shacks on my way to mine I saw flames and smoke from that direction, and then I just ran towards them. Well, now I am sitting with nothing.”
Among the thing consumed were all the new clothes she had bought for her nephew, who is currently in the bush. “There is no way I can go to the Eastern Cape this year because I have no money. We therefore appeal to the City to assist us with building material.”
Another shack-fire victim Max Phangalele said he had lost everything. He urged the government to assist with building material.
Staying with a friend for now, he said: “I don’t know how I am going to rebuild my shack. I don’t have enough money as I do odd jobs.”
The City’s Disaster Risk Management (DRM) spokesperson Sonica Lategan said DRM officials completed a fire assessment at Site B, Khayelitsha, and confirmed 34 structures were destroyed and 146 people affected.
“[Social grant agency] Sassa and the Department of Social Development had been requested to provide relief in the form of hot meals, blankets, baby packs and vanity packs,” said Lategan. “The City’s Solid Waste Department was activated to remove rubble from the burn site. The national Human Settlement Department was also requested to assist with emergency housing support.”
