Fire leaves 2,600 homeless as Du Noon community counts the cost

A community leader from Site 5 informal settlement in Du Noon has described the situation facing fire victims as dire.

This follows a devastating shack fire that tore through the informal settlement last week Friday leaving thousands of people homeless.

An estimated 2 600 people were affected after more than 600 shacks were razed to the ground, wiping out homes, belongings, and important documents within minutes.

Community leader Zukiswa Kobe said many families lost everything they owned and are now struggling to survive.

She said while some residents are taking shelter in community halls and churches, others have been spending their nights out in the open, exposed to cold weather conditions.

"On Wednesday, it was raining and then people were outside it's very sad and it's windy today and they're still outside. They are waiting for something, but they don't know what is going to happen or when it is going to happen," said Kobe.

Kobe expressed gratitude to humanitarian organisations and Capetonians who've donated necessities, particularly for children, the elderly and vulnerable residents.

"We'd like to thank them a lot. There are still donations that are coming in, the clothes, old uniform, the people and the churches are bringing food parcels, toiletries, everything and especially Gift of the Givers we want to thank them a lot," said Kobe