Taxi association donates to fire victims
Bambanani Taxi Association executive members handed over food parcels to Masinenge residents who were victims of the fire that gutted the area in July.
Members of Bambanani Taxi Association were disheartened to learn that Masinenge Informal Settlement was gutted by fire again recently, a day after they handed over donations to residents.
The association’s executive members handed over food parcels to Masinenge residents who were victims of a fire that gutted the area in July.
The association’s chairperson, Sphiwe Dlomo said they decided to assist in Masinenge because it is one of the areas they operate in.
“We work well with Masinenge residents in terms of transport, as they support our taxi association. With this donation, we are returning the money they give to us, and we are also here to say we are with them. Commuters are like our bosses. No one plans for their home to be gutted by a fire, so in times like these compassion is needed. Initially, we wanted to donate foam mattresses but we found they already had those, so we decide on other items,” he said.
Dlomo added that the association decided to cough up R20 000 to buy food parcels, saying that it was the taxi owners who contributed.
He said it was the association’s members who raised concerns about the July fire in Masinenge, so they sat down and put their heads together.
One of the beneficiaries, Phindile Gxoyiya said she was grateful for the donation, adding that since her home burnt down, it has been challenging.
“I do not receive the R350 unemployment grant, this food parcel will assist me and my family. I am still in need of building material donations to rebuild my home,” said Gxoyiya.
Masinenge community activist, Mamlambo Lunika said they thank Bambanani Taxi Association for what they did for the people who lost everything in the fire.
“What they have done is remarkable. People in Masinenge are still in need of donations. Yes, families are receiving them but these donations can never be enough,” said Lunika.
Meanwhile, the association’s PRO, Martin Ngcungama said it is sad that another fire engulfed the informal settlement a day after they had handed over donations to residents.
The recent fire that occurred gutted a different section of Masinenge, not the area that was affected in July.
Ngcungama said it would be premature for them to say they will soon return to Masinenge with donations, however they will meet again and see what they can come up with.
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