Kennedy Road Informal Settlement residents have been given food parcels, blankets and sponges following the deadly fire which claimed two lives in the early hours of Saturday morning.

EThekwini Municipality Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni provided the items during her visit to assess the damage on Saturday. 

Myeni also visited the families of the deceased, a 25-year-old woman and a toddler (19 months old), where she expressed her heartfelt condolences and encouraged the community to assist where they can, embodying the spirit of Ubuntu. 

She also appealed to the public to donate food, clothing, bedding, building materials and other essential items that could help those affected. 

Myeni also urged community members to remain vigilant and avoid leaving open fires and candles unattended. 

The fire destroyed more than 100 informal structures and left 150 residents displaced, who will temporarily be housed in a community hall as arrangements are made for long-term accommodation. 

The eThekwini Municipality said disaster management teams are engaged in efforts to restore water and electricity services that were disrupted during the fire. 

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said he is in talks with Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane on the incident.  

Duma said a total of 122 shacks were destroyed in a fire that was caused by a burning candle.

“We wish to report that a roving team involving officials from the national department of human settlements, the provincial department of human settlements, and the eThekwini Municipality is already working out a plan to speed up the delivery of building material,” Duma said. 

“We will await the finalisation of the verification process by disaster teams from eThekwini and Cogta (Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs).”

Duma said officials from his office met the deceased’s families. 

“We send our deepest condolences to the families following the sad passing of the following souls: Nonhle Mbango and Bandile Zulu. 

“At this stage, our focus is to ensure that extended families in Mount Frere and Umzimkhulu are properly informed about the tragedy.”

Duma said Mbango buried her father weeks ago. 

He said they are working with Ward 25 councillor Themba Mkhize to help families bury their loved ones. 

KZN Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi deployed disaster management teams, accompanied by the social partners, to provide relief to the community. 

Buthelezi extended his condolences to the bereaved family and assured the family of the department’s full support during this difficult time.

Disaster teams are on the ground, conducting assessments, offering immediate relief, and coordinating any assistance for the victims. 

Given the cold front bringing rain and low temperatures this weekend, Buthelezi advised the community to exercise caution when using fire for warmth.

“On behalf of the provincial government, we extend our deepest condolences to the grieving family. As a department, we are deeply concerned by this incident, which is the fourth of its kind in this area during the current winter season,” Buthelezi said. 

“We urge communities to exercise extreme caution, especially during colder days when the use of open flames, such as izimbawula and heaters, significantly increases the risk of fires.”

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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