Masiphumelele fire victims told to stay calm after being left without shelter

After losing their homes and all their belongings in them in a devastating fire on Tuesday afternoon, Masiphumele residents are being told to remain calm as community leaders look for shelter. 

The City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service were called in at around 3.15pm as a blaze, fanned by a howling southeaster, tore through the informal settlement, destroying at least 363 structures by City estimates. 

About 40 firefighters from several stations and three choppers water-bombed the scene.

Although no injuries or fatalities have been reported, one firefighter sustained a wrist fracture and was transferred to a medical facility for treatment.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management (DRM) spokesperson Sonica Lategan gave an update on Wednesday afternoon, saying: "DRM and the City’s Informal Settlements Branch are still registering affected persons – at this stage, the number of structures damaged is 363 – this is NOT the final total."

With the City still registering affected residents to get a full picture of the damage, community leader Tshepo Moletshane said that the situation is tense with residents desperate for shelter at the local community centre.

He added: “I heard that someone left a two-burner stove on while cooking and when they came back there was fire in the shack. The situation was very bad because the wind was blowing. 

“The fire victims have lost.

“We need the community hall to be available immediately for any kinds of fires or emergencies. The hall is still not available to accommodate the victims which is a serious problem. 

“Some of the local churches and youth centre opened their doors to accommodate the people. The fire victims are very angry that the hall is locked when we have an emergency. An urgent meeting will be held because we do not want them to vandalise the hall out of anger.”

Local ward councillor Patricia Franke, who was engaged in meetings on Wednesday said, “Due to the provincial government gateway, the opening of the halls is no longer with the City.”

She added that no plan has been confirmed to open the community hall yet.

Resident Melvin Kilani lost everything and said that his children could not return to school on Wednesday without clean clothes or food.

He said: “I lost everything and I am left with the clothes I am wearing now.

“I have children who are in school and are left with only their uniforms because the fire started while they were in school, but they are home now and can’t go to school. 

“This is the second time I have been affected by a fire. In 2022, there was a fire but I managed to save some things. But this time, nothing could be saved.”

The City's Disaster Risk Management Spokesperson, Charlotte Powell Gift of the Givers and the Living Hope NGO are on scene to respond to the immediate humanitarian relief needs on site.

Donations can be dropped off at its premises at 7 Kommetjie Main  Road, Capri.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus