An Aid organization is helping in Imizamo Yethu, following a devastating fire at the weekend that has left, hundreds homeless.
Gift of the Givers has deployed its staff to the informal settlement, for assistance, over the next few days. Provincial spokesperson Ali Sablay says they will provide hot meals, blankets and mattresses.
The aid organization’s help in Imizamo Yethu has been welcomed.
Various fire crews deployed
The city’s Jermaine Carelse has given more information about the blaze, “Shortly before midnight on Saturday 17 September, an emergency call was received of informal structures burning in Imizamo Yethu. Various crews responded to this incident including Hout Bay, Constantia, Lakeside, Roeland Street, Sea Point, Brooklyn and Mitchells Plain.”
He added, “Upon arrival several structures were alight and crews managed to contain the blaze around 03:00 and eventually extinguished the fire by 07:00.”
It was confirmed that one person with fatal burn wounds was found amongst the debris. The person’s age and gender are unknown.
Aid needed: About 500 people homeless
“The scene was handed over to the South African Police Service at 07:50 am,” Carelse concluded.
At the same time, the City’s Disaster Risk Management Team was also deployed to assist the victims. Spokesperson Charlotte Powell says the blaze destroyed 105 informal structures with approximately 500 people affected.
“DRM has activated an on-site mobile JOC to coordinate services from various City departments to deal with the incident. SASSA has been informed to provide humanitarian assistance,” Powell added.
Fire: Psycho-social support
She said, “The Department of Social Development will provide psycho-social support. Various NGOs are on standby to assist the affected community.”
It is also reported that the Thula Thula foundation assists DRM and ISM with registration and humanitarian assistance.
