Ninety-seven shacks were burned to the ground at the Jika Joe informal settlement leaving 164 people homeless… but the community rallied to support them.
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa – Over the weekend a fire broke out in the Jika Joe informal settlement which gutted 97 shacks. The community opened their hearts and quickly rallied to support the impoverished residents of Jika Joe.
The local community hall was opened as a safe haven for the fire victims. Matresses were supplied as well as blankets and food. The community worked on cooking warm, wholesome meals for everyone taking refuge at the community centre.
Rene Morcom shared the news in a Facebook update, sharing how proud she was of everyone who came to the community’s aid.
“It’s been an amazing two days spending it at the hall with Jika Joe fire victims. With the help of some of the people in the Chase Valley community and St Annes for the pads, we collected clothing, toys, blankets etc. We also were able to collect food to make and serve a warm dinner Sunday night.”
While there were no deaths reported, Rene wanted to highlight the plight of a young man** who has been let down by the state in such a heartbreaking way. Her hope is that together, we can all help uplift the young man.
The 27-year-old, a paraplegic, woke up to the smell of fire. He looked down and saw his socks were on fire. He was able to get out of his shack before it went up in flames but not without sustaining a few injuries and damaging his wheelchair.
The young man was rushed to a nearby hospital for his injuries but was later sent back home. Rene confirmed he is a brilliant young man but has faced many challenges. Being bed-ridden, he has developed a very bad bedsore and Rene was in shock that the hospital did nothing to assist him.
He husband Mark took matters into his own hands to make sure the young man gets the medical care he deserves! Rene is asking that people please, support them in assisting the young man to regain his faith in South Africa.
“I have served and loved all the people in the last two days and the devastation they are facing, but I befriended a man I vow to change his life. He will no longer be invisible. Mark and I care very much for him and will do our best to change his life. The invisible man, my new friend. I’ve got your back from this day onwards. We will find him a place and will not leave him to be invisible any more. While half his body does not function. He has an amazing mind, he is special, he is someone, he is my new friend.
He needs a new wheelchair, clothing size 30/32 (both day clothes and hospital clothes) size 10 shoe, toiletries, medical supplies, medical mattress, medical bags, ID, grant card, assistive living facility, music equipment (he was a musician and I want to give his life dream back to him), he failed matric so we were chatting about office management at FET. (Yes disabled people can having a fulfilling life and job, his lower body is broken, not his mind, personality or life).”
Rene asks that if anyone is able to assist her with any of the above, to please call or email her. She will continue to support the community so any, help is welcomed.
“Any help or donations please call Rene Morcom on 0787739956 or rene@thandihouse.com”
** The young man’s identity has been omitted for privacy reasons.
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