At least 20 people were left homeless after 11 shacks were destroyed in a fire at the Ramaphosa informal settlement in Philippi on Saturday, 14 February. The incident started shortly after 21:00, and the cause remains unknown.
Community concern after Philippi shack fire
Community leader Babalwa Siswana said no injuries were reported, but expressed concern about the wellbeing of those affected.
“It is tough for them because the majority are unemployed. We don’t know where they are going to sleep. We are appealing to the community to assist where they can,” said Siswana.
Victim recounts ordeal during Philippi shack fire
Shack fire victim Luleka Tyhulu said she lost almost everything in the blaze, managing to save only a few bags of clothing.
“I was watching television when the flames started. I heard people shouting outside, ‘Fire, fire!’ When I went out, I saw flames,” she explained, adding that her biggest mistake was delaying the removal of her belongings.
She said instead of immediately taking out her belongings, she went outside to watch the flames.
“The incident happened far from my shack. I thought the flames wouldn’t reach it. Out of nowhere, strong winds came and the fire spread rapidly. When I tried to take out my belongings, my shack was already engulfed in flames,” said Tyhulu.
She added that the area does not have electricity and that some residents rely on illegal connections from a danger box. Tyhulu appealed to anyone who can donate clothes to assist them.
The City’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Michael Abraham, confirmed the incident, stating that the City received a call at 21:08 on Saturday, 14 February, reporting informal structures alight in Philippi. However, he said that 15 people were left destitute.
“Crews from Belhar, Mitchell’s Plain and Epping responded. Eleven structures were razed and 15 people were displaced,” said Abraham, adding that no injuries or fatalities were reported.
