Cape Town - Cape Town has been asked to open its hearts and wallets to residents of Masiphumelele where 4 000 people lost their homes and all their belongings in a fire on Sunday.
Just weeks before Christmas, a humanitarian crisis has developed with city officials urging fellow citizens to come forward with essential items like non-perishable food, toiletries, baby food, baby items and clothing for adults and children.
While the fire victims were rebuilding their homes in sweltering heat on Monday, Capetonians pulled together to donate.
But it is not nearly enough to assist the thousands left destitute by the blaze.
On Monday morning, people arrived in the area, helping residents sift through the ashes and donating building materials as they set about rebuilding the homes of the fire victims.
A resident who was not affected by the fire, Sindiswa Thole, said she could not stand by and watch while people were suffering.
“My house is far from where the fire was, but after our people lost everything I couldn’t just sit on the sidelines.
“So I decided to come to the community hall and help make food for them, that is the least I could do.”
Thole said while donations were coming in, much more was needed for the residents to put their lives back together.
“Children need school uniforms and this community hall doesn’t have proper bathrooms for people to bath.
“I appeal to the community to let people use their bathrooms.”
Non-governmental organisation Living Hope has been accepting donations from the public on behalf of the fire victims.
Living Hope’s Avril Thomas said: ”We’ll open the donations until Thursday and then the fire victims will come and get what they need from the donations.”
On Sunday, Pick n Pay said it had placed trolleys for donations in their Long Beach, Tokai, Fish Hoek and Constantia stores for people who wish to donate non-perishable food and clothing.
The company also donated R20 000 towards disaster relief efforts.
Mayco member for human settlements Benedicta van Minnen said they were assisting with accommodation in the Masiphumelele Community Hall.
The regional head of the Department of Justice, Hishaam Mohamed, said he was proud of the staff of Simon’s Town Magistrate’s Court.
“Our staff managed to raise R10 000 and bought food parcels and toiletries for the fire victims.
“This is to ensure that there is some comfort for the people of Masiphumelele.”
Van Minnen said: ”Donations can be made directly to the South African Red Cross Society or Living Hope Church on Kommetjie Main Road.
“Donations of non-perishable goods, toiletries, baby food, baby items and clothing for adults and children are appreciated.”
The MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell said they had access to 11 helicopters, four water bombers and eight spotter command and control aircraft this year.
An account has been set up for people who wish to make a financial contribution towards the Masiphumelele fire victims.
Standard Bank
Masicorp
Account number: 374 202 176
Branch Code: 036009
There has also been a call for donations of the following items:
- Non-perishable goods.
- Toiletries.
- Baby food.
- Clothing for both children and adults.
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