Shack fire victims at Ramaphosa informal settlement in Philippi are appealing to the local business people to assist them wherever they can to restart their lives. They said all their belongings burned during the shack fire.
One of the shack fire victims Luleka Mtambeka said she is staying with her friend for now.
“I don’t have a place to stay. I don’t know how I am going to rebuild my shack because I don’t have money. I’m unemployed. My concern is, what if a friend of mine gets tired of me because I have nothing to provide? Where will I go?” asked Mtabeka. She said she asked for anything to eat and to wear. However, she stated that officials from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) had provided them with meals to eat.
Community leader Babalwa Siswana described the situation as extremely bad.
“People don’t have places to stay. They don’t have clothes, blankets or even food. They are struggling. Sometimes some of the neighbours give them food to eat, but it’s not enough. We are appealing to anyone who can assist them with whatever to come forward,” said Siswana. She said the worst part is some of the shack fire victims don’t have the material to rebuild their shack.
Nyanga police station Vispol Commander Lt-Col William Appels confirmed the incident and cited that a 28-year-old male died during the incident. He said an inquest docket was opened.