How to help Masiphumelele after deadly fire destroys homes, displaces residents

The community of Masiphumelele is "traumatised" after a fire raged through the informal settlement in Cape Town early on Monday (13 October) morning, claiming the life of one person.

Authorities confirmed that around 20 informal structures were destroyed, leaving up to 100 people displaced and in need.

Gift of the Givers project manager, Ali Sablay, who forms part of the emergency response team, said:

"The impact is huge. People are traumatised and as we know, speaking to some of the affected families, they said waking up in the morning to the screams of 'Fire! Fire!'... and opening the front door to see the fire engulfing their whole informal structure is traumatising.

"Losing some of their neighbours as well. It was the first day of school as well yesterday.

"What a bad start to the term for some of the learners part of that informal settlement, losing everything.

"We are going through the list to see if there are any matriculants affected.

As we know, we are days away from the matric exams, so we are engaging with local authorities and ommunity leaders on the ground to try and make it as comfortable as possible for these family members that have lost literally everything."

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

Emergency response teams and Gift of the Givers are "on the ground" assisting with daily hot meals, water, personal hygiene care items, blankets, and baby care items such as nappies.

If you'd like to assist this community in need, drop off any donations at Living Hope, located at 7 Kommetjie Main Road.

For more information, contact: 0800 786 911.

To listen to Sablay in conversation with Lester Kiewit on CapeTalk's Breakfast show, use the audio below: