Fires devastate informal settlements across Western Cape

Several informal settlements across the Western Cape were hit by devastating fires overnight and into the early hours of the morning, leaving scores of families homeless and prompting an urgent humanitarian response from relief organisations and government departments.

Gift of the Givers confirmed that its teams were activated following multiple calls from affected communities, including the Imizamo Yethu informal settlement in Hout Bay, where a blaze destroyed numerous structures.

“Calls were received from community leaders and affected residents of the Imizamo Yethu informal settlement in Hout Bay, where a fire destroyed a number of structures, leaving close to 200 people homeless,” the organisation said, adding that teams were already on the ground conducting assessments.

Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Sonica Lategan said preliminary assessments painted a clearer picture of the destruction in some areas.

“In Imizamo Yethu, approximately 25 structures were destroyed, displacing around 80 people,” she said.

Further fires were reported elsewhere in the province. A blaze in Sir Lowry’s Pass destroyed five structures, leaving 30 people displaced. In Blikkiesdorp, Delft, eight structures were destroyed and 44 residents displaced.

Gift of the Givers said it had also been alerted by the Drakenstein Disaster Management Centre to a second fire in a week at the Mbokweni informal settlement in Paarl.

“Teams remain on site to determine the exact number of people affected,” the organisation said.

In Cape Town, emergency crews were responding to an active fire in Vygieskraal, Manenberg, where backyard dwelling structures were reported to be alight.

“Gift of the Givers teams are en route to the active fire in Vygieskraal,” the organisation confirmed.

Humanitarian assistance is under way in the worst-affected areas.

“Relief partners Tula Tula and Gift of the Givers are on site in Imizamo Yethu to attend to immediate needs in the form of hot meals, blankets, hygiene packs and household items,” said Lategan.

She added that Mustadafin would provide relief to displaced residents in Blikkiesdorp.

Government departments have also been mobilised.

“SASSA and the Department of Social Development were informed to provide humanitarian relief to the affected residents,” said Lategan.

The City’s Solid Waste Department has been activated to clear debris, while essential services are being restored.

“In Imizamo Yethu, water and sanitation teams are repairing a burst pipe, and the Energy Department will restore electricity,” she said.

Gift of the Givers said it would continue to provide assistance at all affected sites as assessments continue and the full extent of the damage becomes clearer.

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