Relief efforts are in full swing in two Strand communities as locals and organisations rally behind victims of two devastating fires that left more than 220 people homeless and claimed the life of a 30-year-old man during the festive season.
The first blaze occurred in Rusthof on Friday 20 December, destroying five structures and leaving 22 people homeless (“Kopersmeltery glo die rede dat drie families van Rusthof nou dakloos is”, 20 December 2024).
The fire allegedly started when a resident melted copper and left the inferno it unattended.
“The cause is still under investigation, but no formal case has been opened yet,” said Strand police spokesperson Warrant Officer Nico Beukes.
Just four days later, on Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December), a second fire swept through the Wag ’n Bietjie informal settlement in Nomzamo. The blaze destroyed 64 structures, displaced about 200 people and claimed the life of a 30-year-old man.
The inferno, fanned by strong winds, started around 01:00 and was extinguished by 05:30 (“Nomzamo fire leaves many homeless on Christmas Eve”, 24 December 2024).
In true community and festive spirit, the community of Strand quickly rallied behind the affected fire victims.
In Rusthof, local organisation Strand Patrol led efforts to collect donations, managing to fill four bakkies, a trailer and a car with essentials for the destitute families.
“We emptied our storage to help the families in need,” said KC Gericke of Strand Patrol.
In Wag ’n Bietjie, humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers sprang into action, providing hot meals, clean drinking water, personal hygiene items and baby care packs for those affected by the blaze.
“On Christmas Day, Santa visited the area to distribute party packets to the children and a special meal was prepared for the elders,” said Ali Sablay, project manager at Gift of the Givers.
The national Department of Human Settlements also delivered building materials to the victims of the Wag ’n Bietjie informal settlement on Tuesday 31 December, in a bid to assist the fire victims of their rebuilding efforts.
“It’s encouraging to see the department stepping in to help the displaced families,” said Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso.
Despite the significant relief efforts, Diniso emphasised that there is still more to be done. “We urge the community to donate school uniforms and shoes for the children, as many lost everything in the fires,” he said.
Lwandle police are still investigating the cause of the fire. “There have been no further developments in the case and no arrests have been made,” said police spokesperson Sergeant Mthokozisi Gama.
While the community has shown remarkable solidarity, ward councillors and relief organisations continue to appeal for ongoing support to help the affected families rebuild their lives.
