Fire leaves Masinenge families homeless
This is believed to be one of the biggest fires in the settlement, which is reportedly home to between 3000 to 5000 people.
A fire which swept through the informal settlement of Masinenge in Margate on Monday evening this week has left some 59 families, including children, homeless.
This is believed to be one of the biggest fires in the settlement, which is reportedly home to between 3000 to 5000 people.
Fortunately no-one was injured in the blaze, and it is unclear at this stage, how it started.
In March last year, a fire also ravaged the informal settlement and more than 40 people lost their homes.
The Herald visited the settlement on Tuesday this week and was met by Ward 3 councillor Paul Brauteseth and members of both Ray Nkonyeni Municipality and Ugu District Municipality’s disaster management teams, all who were working hard on the ground to help those left with nothing. Families were being handed blankets and mattresses.
Lesley Williams, chairperson for the DA Women’s Network, expressed her very deep gratitude to the generous people, especially of Ward 16, who responded in such a heart-warming manner when hearing that between 50 to 60 shacks had burnt to the ground leaving about 200 homeless.
“We had to remove the rear seats of our vehicle for Cllrs John Williams and Zack Gumede to collect all the donations from companies and homes. Our vehicle was filled to the brim with food, bedding, blankets, kitchen utensils, toys and clothing for men, women and children. All lovingly donated to the fire victims,” explained Williams.
On arriving at the creche in Masinenge there were numerous people who had lost everything they owned, just standing, in desperation, waiting for an item or two to make life a little bit more bearable. Once all the donated goods were unloaded from an overloaded vehicle, one realised with such sadness that the need was so great.
“My heart goes out to the poor people of Masinenge, I can’t believe they have been treated so badly. They need support and intervention,” said Brauteseth.
Reiterating what Brauteseth said, Williams said her heart always breaks for the precious people of Masinenge when she visits.
“I cannot believe that in 2022 our government is so heartless to allow people to live under such conditions. To be living in shacks, in some cases, constructed of plastic and cardboard is inhumane. Others are constructed of salvaged wood, no wonder there are fires in the area; it is a tinderbox,” said Williams.
She asked the question: Why can’t RDP houses be constructed for these precious families? As Section 26.1 of the Constitution states: “Everyone has the right to have access to adequate housing.” I do not believe that, by any stretch of the imagination, the housing in Masinenge can be considered ‘adequate housing’.”
With the help of the awesome South Coasters, Williams said they will continue to do their best to meet some of the dire needs.
Many companies and individuals are thanked for opening their hearts and assisting.
So much more is still needed, particularly building materials, furniture and any household goods. School uniforms and clothes is another need. Even if you can only spare one blanket or one pillow, it means that at night a mother can wrap a freezing child in a blanket.
Contact Lesley on 082 744 5500, or John on 076 3785505 if you have anything to donate, no matter how small, it will make a difference to the person receiving it.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
