The City of Cape Town and Gift of the Givers have rallied together to help the residents of Langa following a devastating fire.
Western Cape, South Africa (18 April 2022) – Firefighters extinguished the fire in just under six hours, under difficult circumstances with community interference in the operation.
According to Mayco Member JP Smith, a fire destroyed about 300 shacks in Langa, Cape Town, on Saturday night, affecting about 1,200 people.
At least four fire hoses were cut, hampering firefighting efforts and unruly groups of community members posing a safety risk to Fire and Rescue Services whilst in the line of duty. All persons were accounted for, with no fatalities or injuries reported – something we are incredibly grateful for.
While the cause of the fire remains unknown, efforts continue to assist the displaced persons.
The City’s Disaster Risk Management team, Informal Settlements Branch and SASSA are conducting the registration of all those impacted by the fire. SASSA and Gift of the Givers will be supporting humanitarian relief, which includes food and toiletries, over the next few days. Water and Sanitation is on-site and will supply standpipes for water and will address the damaged toilets. Solid Waste Management will conduct the cleaning process tomorrow once the registration of residents has been completed.
“Some residents lost all their belongings in the devastating fire. The City is doing everything in its power to assist residents during this difficult period.”
The DRMC is making donation points available where residents who have the means can donate blankets, non-perishable food, disposable nappies, baby food, sanitary items and other materials in this time of need.
The following drop off points are available for donations:
- The Urban-Rural Development (083 521 0328), City of Cape Town Housing Department, cnr. Langalibalele Drive and Lerotholi Avenue, Langa
- Mustadafin Foundation (076 422 1667), corner of Heide and Antelope Court, Bridgetown.
- If you would like to support Gift of the Givers, you can reach out here.
The city’s spokesperson says that the situation remains tense on site. City services are still present in order to ensure law and order.
“We appeal to all community members and leadership structures to work with City services as we, the City, will continue to support the affected community.”
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