As the smoke clears over Masiphumelele, Cape Town’s spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ is shining through, with relief teams already on the ground to support the 650 individuals who have lost their homes.
Masiphumelele, South Africa (22 January 2026) – The communities of Cape Town have been dealt a heartbreaking blow this fire season. In the latest disaster to strike the region, a massive blaze tore through Masiphumelele on Tuesday, destroying multiple informal housing structures and leaving over 600 people homeless.
According to reports, the fire proved exceptionally difficult to contain as challenging weather conditions hampered ground operations. A coordinated effort finally brought the flames under control, involving SANParks Table Mountain National Park, City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services and Volunteer Wildfire Services. While ground crews fought the heat and assisted with resident evacuations, three helicopters provided critical support with water-bombing efforts.
GroundUp, who were also present at the site of ash and disaster later that evening, reported the devastation of affected residents sorting through what remained of their burnt belongings, with many carrying bags of clothes or lugging what furniture they could salvage.
Living Hope, a Christian-based non-profit dedicated to supporting those affected by poverty, is currently on the ground providing immediate relief.
“Our Living Hope teams were already on the ground: serving, caring and loving those who have lost everything. Early estimates are that around 650 individuals have been affected.”
The charity has issued an urgent appeal to the public, requesting donations of essential items to support families who have lost so much, if not everything, in a matter of moments.
“We urgently need your support to support these vulnerable individuals, any contribution – big or small – helps us provide relief and restore dignity to this part of Masiphumelele that is in crisis.”
Living Hope is kindly requesting the following essential items:
- Hygiene products (soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary pads)
- Gently used clothing
- Bedding (blankets, sheets, pillows)
- Cooking pots, utensils and dry goods
“Every donation makes a significant difference in restoring dignity and hope for our vulnerable community members during these tough times.”
Items can be dropped off at the Living Hope Capri Campus on 7 Kommetjie Main Road, Capri (Checkers Sixty60 knows where to go, if you would like to donate dry foods)
Online donations can be made here or using the banking details below:
- Living Hope Trust, First National Bank, Longbeach Mall, Noordhoek
- Account: Living Hope Trust – Disaster Appeal Account
- Account No: 62672419267
- Branch Code: 250655
- Reference: Your name, email, and phone number
Sources: Various (Linked Above)
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow
GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good
news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the
Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things
Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes
there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes
& hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans
balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are
still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more
proudly South African.
by 