Many individuals, organisations and businesses have come to the aid of displaced residents in Dunoon following a devastating fire that destroyed hundreds of homes earlier this month, leaving thousands of people without shelter or basic belongings.
The fire, which swept through parts of the settlement on Friday 9 January, was fanned by strong south-easterly winds and destroyed at least 632 homes. An estimated 2 604 people were displaced, with children accounting for nearly half of those affected.
Rebuilding efforts and essential aid underway
Councillor Jonathan Mills visited Site 5 in Dunoon alongside Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, where they assessed rebuilding efforts and assisted with the distribution of food, nappies and toiletries donated by residents from across the city.
“It was encouraging to see how active the site is, with residents rebuilding as quickly as they can,” Mills said. “While there is still a long way to go, the distribution of aid is helping to meet urgent needs, particularly around food security.”
City teams, together with Eskom, have begun restoring basic services, including electricity and water through temporary standpipes. Plans are also in place to rebuild the fire-damaged wall of the nearby bus depot in a way that will improve firefighting access to the furthest parts of the settlement in future.
Support has also come from various organisations, including the Lions, Rotary and TLC, who have assisted victims with essential supplies and relief efforts.
“Together we can make a difference,” TLC said in a message of solidarity.
Community rallies to provide practical support
In neighbouring Killarney, the community has rallied to support those affected. Killarney International Raceway has opened a collection site, appealing for practical donations rather than cash. Items requested include school stationery, school shoes, blankets, bedding and basic household appliances such as kettles and toasters.
“With the school year about to start, many children will return to class without uniforms, books or stationery,” organisers said. “These are our neighbours — and for some, family members.”
A garage at Killarney has been made available as a collection site “Please bring whatever you can to the reception office in the Admin Tower at Killarney, between 08:00 and 16:30 on weekdays. You can also bring donations to the Joubert Pits Lounge during the Track Schools from 09:00 to 18:00 on Saturday 24 January.”
Gift of the Givers provides thousands of meals
The relief effort has also been bolstered by the humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers, which has distributed over 3 500 meals to Dunoon fire victims.
Their teams, supported by police, metro police, law enforcement, and disaster management personnel, are providing vital assistance to nearly 4 000 residents affected by one of the largest informal settlement fires in Western Cape history.
Bread donated by Wholesun Bread and jars of peanut butter have reached over 1 200 households. The trauma and loss remain deeply felt as an entire section of the settlement has been wiped out. Assessments are ongoing to determine further needs.
