Thabo Mbeki informal settlement fire victims received a welcomed relief when an undisclosed local organisation handed them food parcels on Saturday 15 January.
At least 22 shacks were destroyed by the fire and more than 60 people left homeless at D section on New Year’s day. (“Victims want houses”, City Vision,13 January). The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Although the organisation’s details were kept under wraps, community leaders and victims were thrilled by the gesture.
Community leader Buzwe Kali said they are happy with the contribution and they believe it will make a difference to many families. He challenged other local businesses to come on board. “We wish we can get building material to rebuild our shacks because most of the people don’t have money to buy it. But we are pleased with groceries as some of us didn’t have,” said Kali.
One of the beneficiaries, Nokwakha Plaatjies, thanked the donors for the “great initiative”.
“I lost everything during the fire, including my identity document. I’m struggling to rebuild my three room shack because I’m unemployed. Currently I’m sleeping at my friend’s shack at the C section in the area,” said Plaatjies, adding that she doesn’t know how she will rebuild her shack.