FOLLOW-UP: Councillor dispels rumours about status of fire families

Ward 23 councillor alderman André du Plessis has provided feedback from a joint operations centre meeting this morning about the status of the inhabitants of the Max informal settlement, which was destroyed by a fire on Monday night.

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He said there are many vicious rumours flying around about where the residents have been housed and moved to since the fire, and that ward councillors are bearing the brunt of this.

“I would like to dispel the rumours with facts from the meeting I attended,” he said.

“First and foremost, let’s not forget the people affected by this tragedy are human beings, many of which work in our communities and in our homes and whose children go to our schools.

“The Impala Park Community Hall is not, contrary to rumours, being used to house these people – it is only being used as a drop-off point for donations.

“The people who are being moved – a group of 45 – who were originally moved to John Barrable Hall, have been moved to the Benoni Town Hall between last night and this morning as the hall has bookings to be utilised for other purposes this weekend.

“Benoni Town Hall is, unfortunately, derilect due to neglect and there was a section of collapsed roof, but this was all cleaned up yesterday and the group of people moved in.

“The are still about 700 people in the informal settlement where 20 tents have been provided for them for shelter.

“They are being fed by the Gift of the Givers and thousands of donations have also been brought to the NG Kerk in Bonaero Park, whose members have been handing out food, clothing, blankets, baby products and female hygiene products.

“The community and church in Bonaero Park have been incredible and we thank them for their support.”

Situation at the Benoni Town Hall

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) are working with the South African Post Office to issue those who have lost their Sassa cards with new ones and filling out applications for children who have lost their school uniform in the fire to receive new uniforms as these children are expected to go back to school next week.

How to help

Blankets and non-perishables are needed most, but any donations will be welcome to help this community rebuild their lives.

Drop-off points are:

• Impala Park Community Hall, corner of Atlas and Elizabeth roads between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Sunday.

• Inner-City Ministry, corner of Woburn Avenue and Kimbolton Street.

• NG Kerk, 32 Malpensa Avenue, Bonaero Park.

• Benoni CPF also has drop-off points (Sheryl Devine 082 612 5909).