Future of Briardene crèche uncertain following fire
A total of 180 homes were also destroyed in the fire that tore through the upper part of the informal settlement.
THE future of a crèche within the Briardene Informal Settlement is uncertain after a fire ripped through the settlement destroying 180 homes more than a week ago.
Among those affected was a crèche that looks after around 20 children within the settlement. Community member, Thuso Mohapi, whose home was also destroyed, said he was unsure how the fire started.
Read also: Homeowners up in arms over Briardene pit toilet project
“All we know is it spread quickly and so many homes were engulfed in flames. It was impossible to save anything, we took what we could carry and left. The crèche had cots, toys and other items for the young children and we really aren’t sure what happens now,” he said.
“Four women within the settlement, Nonkuleleko Mkhize, Nomthando Mkhize, Busisiwe Shangase and Thuliswa Mashaba look after the crèche. We are appealing to the community, if they can, to help us with items like a cot, nappies and toys,” he said.
If you would like to help, contact Thuso on 084 042 0813.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
