Shack-fire victims from the RR informal settlement in Site B, Khayelitsha are demanding that the City build them proper houses, saying they have been victims of shack fires for too long. The call comes after 20 shacks burnt down, leaving 63 people homeless on Friday 9 October. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

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One of the victims, Nolusindiso Gigi, said the blaze started shortly after 17:00. She said she had lost almost everything in the fire.

“I don’t know what caused the fire. When I arrived from Nokqubela Link Mall in the area the other shacks were already burning. I managed to get a few things out, including a bag of clothes and a few blankets. All other belongings burnt along with everything else.”

We want proper houses before we die

The mother of three said it was the third time the area had been gutted by fire in the past five years. She blamed the City for dragging its feet on building them houses.

“All we want is proper houses before we die here. I have been staying here for more than 18 years and there are people who have been here for more than that. Some of us are willing to relocate to the service plots, if need be.”

Another victim, Betty Mlotywa, accused the City of marginalising black communities when it comes to development. She said the City is doing little to develop the townships.

City says no land available for housing

Ward 89 councillor Khayalethu Gxasheka stated that he had informed the relevant stakeholders about the incident. He said the issue of housing development remained unclear.

“The City says there is no land. So it is not clear when these shack dwellers will get houses.”

Fire brought under control within hours

City Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Mark Bosch said the service was alerted to informal dwellings alight at 17:03 on Friday 9 October, in RR Section, Khayelitsha.

He said crews from Khayelitsha, Lansdowne and Mitchell’s Plain responded along with an Incident Management Team.

“The fire was brought under control at 19:11. Crews continued working to make the area safe. The fire was declared completely extinguished at 19:54, with approximately 20 structures destroyed and 63 people reported as displaced.” He added no injuries were reported.