Over 70 people left homeless after Khayelitsha fire
Fire victims say they do not have the means to rebuild their homes
Over 70 people were left homeless after a fire gutted part of Taiwan informal settlement in Khayelitsha on Sunday. Photo: Nombulelo Damba-Hendrik
About 70 people were left homeless after a fire ripped through Taiwan informal settlement in Khayelitsha on Sunday evening. The blaze, which happened around 6pm, destroyed 20 shacks, affecting 71 people, according to City disaster risk management spokesperson Charlotte Powell.
Sanelisiwe Noginqa said the fire is believed to have started outside her shack.
“I was with a friend nearby when people came to tell me my shack was on fire. When I got there, the fire was big and was spreading fast to the other houses.”
“I have no idea what started the fire because my place was locked,” she said.
Noginqa, a mother of three, said she and other residents lost all their belongings in the fire. She is unemployed and depends on social grants.
On Monday morning, some people were clearing charred material while others stood around helpless. Most of the fire victims complained they do not have the means to rebuild their homes.
Gcobisa Bishop, who was wearing her pyjamas, said all she managed to save from the blaze were some clothes.
“I don’t know where I will get the material to rebuild my shack. Most of my material is damaged. I’m standing on top of this site, with the hope that some good samaritans will help us as most people are unemployed and rely on child support grants,” said Bishop.
Jermaine Carelse, City of Cape Town fire and rescue spokesperson said the fire was extinguished just after 9pm and no injuries were reported. The cause was yet to be determined.
Ward 87 Councillor Khayalethu Kama (ANC) said they had contacted the human settlements and social development departments and Gift of the Givers. He said the names of everyone affected by the fire had been recorded.
“We are asking for assistance from anyone who can help,” he said.
Kama said the City had a housing project in the pipeline for the settlement which still lacked essential services.
GroundUp reported in June last year that people living in Taiwan had been protesting over the slow implementation of a housing project meant to benefit them. According to the protestor’s memorandum, Taiwan was to be incorporated into the Southern Corridor Housing Development Project in 2018.
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