Residents of Masinenge Informal Settlement were still trying to rebuild their homes in the rain after a fire gutted the informal settlement on July 9, leaving one person dead.
The fire destroyed 111 shacks and left over 200 people homeless.
Nkosivumile Candlovu who lost everything in the fire told Fever that the deceased was his neighbour.
He alleged that the fire started in a shack close to him, saying that the owner managed to escape the fire but his neighbour who was asleep, did not make it out alive.
In July 2022, a fire gutted Masinenge in the same place.
Candlovu who has lived in the area for 12 years said he was mostly concerned about schools reopening soon because his three children lost everything in the fire.
“I have been living here with my children and partner. Last year around this time I was affected by the fire. It took me a lot of time to rebuild. There were a few white people who helped me buy brush cutters because that is the type of work that I do. Now I have lost all three machines, I feel defeated, I don’t know where to start with picking myself up,” he said, adding that they are currently seeking shelter with relatives.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi visited Masinenge with Ray Nkonyeni Municipality’s Speaker of Council Zodwa Mzindle recently.
MEC Sithole-Moloi said fire victims would start receiving materials to rebuild their structures, saying that the disaster response team has provided over 400 blankets, 166 plastic sheeting, and 200 mattresses to the victims.
She added that private organisations such as the Red Cross, Wimpy, Engen, and the local business association are providing three meals a day for all the victims.
“While the government’s long-term goal is to provide decent houses, the immediate focus is to assist the victims in returning to a sense of normalcy by rebuilding their homes. Some residents have already started rebuilding, and the government will provide support wherever possible. The Home Affairs department will be present to assist with issuing identity documents,” she said.
She also cautioned people to remain vigilant during the winter season, emphasising the importance of not leaving a fire, gas stoves, or candles unattended.
KZN police spokesperson, Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, said Margate police opened an inquest docket for investigation after an incident where a 31-year-old man died in a fire in Masinenge.
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