The damaged caused by the fire in Site C during the early hours of Sunday morning.
A devastating fire early on Sunday morning, October 6, at Taiwan informal settlement in Site C has left a group of residents homeless after 13 shacks were destroyed.
When Vukani arrived at the scene on Sunday, the victims were clearing debris and trying to rebuild their homes.
The victims said the shacks were engulfed in flames by around 3am and they have no clue what could have caused the fire.
Nombulelo Yalwa, said she heard loud screams alerting people in the area about the fire.
Ms Yalwa said when she stepped outside there was already thick smoke and her four-roomed shack quickly caught alight.
She said she could not save any of her belongings and she had no idea how she was going to rebuild her home.
“I’m just glad that no one died. I slept at a friend's place and I’m going to sleep there again.
“I do not know where to start in rebuilding my shack as I do not have any money. I'm pleading for help from anyone that might be able to help us so that our lives could return to normal,” she said.
Ms Yalwa said she shares her shack with three children and her only source of income is her old social security grant.
Another fire victim, Lubabalo Khathelo, said he was glad that he escaped the fire unharmed with his younger brother.
He said he hopes that the City and the provincial government would help them with starter kits to rebuild.
Ward councillor Khaya Khama said the area was prone to fires, especially close to summer, and he was glad that no lives were lost.
He said he was worried how residents were going to rebuild their lives since the City of Cape Town had stopped issuing starter kits to fire victims.
He said they were forced to ask local business people for help.
Related Topics: