In an attempt to give back to the community, the author of the book The Bus People, Chumile Sali, together with the Ethiopian Episcopal Church from Langa donated clothes and building material to the shack fire victims at Joe Slovo informal settlement in Langa on Sunday 14 April.
The victims were left homeless after their shacks were ravaged by flames on Sunday 31 March. At least 32 shacks were destroyed by fire. A total of 68 people were left homeless.
Sali named the initiative after the title of his book The People Bus Initiative.
“I felt there was a need to assist the shack fire victims. I couldn’t sit down and fold my arms while our brothers and sisters are suffering,” said Sali.
He stated that it was not the first time he contributed to the fire victims.
In 2016, Sali made a contribution to fire victims at Masiphumelele informal settlement in Fish Hoek.
“I’ve been contributing to various areas where there is a shack fire in the metro. In Langa, we donated clothes, two beds, toiletries and building materials. Whatever we contribute will make a difference to the needy people,” he said.
Sali urged the communities to stop waiting for the government and stand up for themselves.
One of the shack fire victims, Aphiwe James, expressed her gratitude to Sali and church members for demonstrating ubuntu. She said she struggled to rebuild her shack because she was unemployed. “I’ve got a few clothes to wear. The clothes mean a lot to me because I’m struggling so much. Even now I’m still staying with my friend because I don’t have a place to stay,” she said.
James urged other people to come on board and help them.