The sight of families devastated by raging fires that have gutted their homes, leaving them with nothing with all their belongings reduced to ashes, is a scene with no end in sight it seems.
In the past couple of weeks such residents have turned to DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette in the aftermath of such devastating fires. This, well ahead of the anticipated busy fire season, which is normally between November and April. To make matters worse for affected community members often left displaced, the City of Cape Town’s helping hand stretches only so far. While council assists with the clearing of debris following the fiery tragedies the need for emergency housing, which is no longer a form of humanitarian relief offered by the City, is dire. After two fires ripped through two Helderberg communities this past week, leaving unremitting devastation in their wake, it was the good samaritans who were at the forefront of relief efforts. Poorer communities’ capacities to bounce back after such tragedy are limited. Victims need more than words of comfort, so donations of essentials such as blankets, clothes and food are pivotal, providing people with the means to rebuild their lives.
