DURBAN - MORE than 100 informal settlement residents were left destitute after their homes were engulfed by fire on Sunday night.
About 80 shacks were destroyed near Inkosi Luthuli Highway (M4) in Clairwood.
The fire, which started at about 7.30pm, came shortly after another in the area.
Pieces of rough stone, broken bottles, burnt wooden poles, bed springs, damaged metal sheets and burnt paraffin stoves were lying on the ground while the residents queued to write down their names on a list.
Speaking to the Daily News, the residents said they were devastated and did not know what to do next.
Thulani Nhlekwa, 44, in whose home the fire apparently started, said he was certain this was not the case. Nhlekwa, who had lived in the area for more than 10 years, said he had slept in a bush with his girlfriend on Sunday.
“I was coming home from my part-time job when I saw the smoke from a distance. It was around 7.30pm when I got here, and it was too late. I heard people talking that the fire started in my shack which is confusing because I was not home and everything was off.
“I believe someone started the fire, but I don’t know who or why. I am left with only the clothes I am wearing. I haven’t eaten since yesterday (Sunday) and it saddens me not knowing if we will ever receive any help,” said Nhlekwa.
Sinalo Nodada, 26, who came to Durban three years ago for job opportunities, said she was ashamed to go home to the Eastern Cape empty handed.
“I have lost everything. My children’s Christmas clothes are gone just like that. I am unemployed but I sometimes sacrificed buying food so I would be able to at least buy them one new clothing item to wear like other children. Little did I know that today (Monday) I would be standing on the side of the road with nothing at all. What will I say to them? How would I explain that on such a big holiday they will have to wear their old clothes?” asked Nodada.
Sandile Makhunga, 46, said he was going to collect burnt metal sheets to try to build a small shack.
“I don’t know how the fire started. I was not around when it started and by the time I got here everything was ashes. I didn’t even get a chance to grab anything, not even my ID and bank cards. I had to sleep under the bridge with no bed or blankets. It was very cold.”
Manini Lepedi, 58, said she had to send her grandchild, who were visiting for the holidays, back home.
“I was coming from work when I saw a group of people by the road. I thought because it is December, they were going to have fun. When I got closer I realised they were my neighbours. They told me what happened. I was shocked. I couldn’t believe it. All I wanted was my grandchild. Luckily, my neighbours managed to drag her out of the house to safety. I am stressed. It was a peaceful Sunday but coming home to nothing at all broke me,” said Lepedi.
Ward 32 councillor Prottas Mngonyama said there was a criminal element in the area.
“Unfortunately there are a lot of disagreements about these shacks with the owners. The people who are renting these shacks to the people are a problem. When there are fights between them, dwellers get caught up in the crossfire.
“I visited the area this morning (Monday) to have a closer look at the matter. I contacted Disaster Management and asked for any assistance. I am hoping that in the meantime they can assist with food, blankets, mattresses and water.”
Social Development spokesperson Mhlaba Memela said the department and the council were working to assist the distraught families.
“We are working with social workers to gather all the details of the people affected. We want to ensure the residents are able to get back their important documents so that those who receive grants and pensions can continue to do so,” said Memela.
Daily News