The support from the humanitarian organisations to Nkanini shack fire victims in Lwandle is phenomenal as people of all walks of life are donating whatever to assist the victims.
At least 201 shacks were affected and 681 people left homeless during the incident on Tuesday 15 April.
The victims said they are relieved even though some of them are struggling to rebuild their shacks.
Victim and community leader Lulama Bangani said they are distraught, citing that the majority of people are struggling to make ends meet.
“Some of us are rebuilding our shacks while others are struggling. Our councillor Xolani Diniso is trying his best to ensure that we get food since the incident occurred.
“There are various organisations bringing different things like blankets, mattresses, food parcels etc. We are not struggling that bad, but our concern is to get building material to rebuild our shacks,” said Bangani, adding that she lost everything during the incident.
She urged anyone to contribute with whatever they have to help them.
Diniso said as leaders they are trying hard to ensure that their lives are going back to normal.
He said there are various organisations and people who have donated food parcels and other essential items.
The national Department of Social Development donated 657 mattresses, 657 blankets, 500 packets of toiletries and is providing three meals a day, while Gift of the Givers donated 150 packets of toiletries, 400 blankets, 400 mattresses and two meals a day.
“The United Crisis faith based organisation donated 200 food parcels and also the Red Cross is providing a meal a day,” said Diniso. He said they are fixing communal toilets and trying to restore the electricity in the area.
Diniso said they informed the national Department of Human Settlement about the inferno. He described the incident as a disaster.
“There are many people who are struggling to rebuild their shacks. The issue here is that most of the people who are staying here are unemployed and others are doing odd jobs. It is difficult for them to buy a three metre shack, which costs R7 000. But for now, we accept whatever it comes,” said Diniso.
He urged all the local businesses and non-governmental organisations to come on board to assist the victims.
