Residents in high-risk informal settlements in Cape Town and Durban are set to benefit from an initiative focused on fire safety. 

The project is headed by Astron Energy, in partnership with the Western Cape Disaster Management, eThekwini Disaster Management, local municipalities, and fire departments. 

Astron will be installing over 500 early warning smoke detectors in high-risk informal settlements. 

Areas set to benefit include Du Noon, Joe Slovo, and Langa in the Western Cape, as well as Dakota Beach in KwaZulu-Natal.

Astron Energy’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Donna Fata, said this initiative is designed to prevent devastating fires and is being rolled out alongside multilingual fire safety training, supported by disaster teams, community forums, and firefighting volunteers. 

She said local authorities would carry out the training and installations in coordination with community stakeholders in each area.

Each installation site will fall within zones monitored by the provincial disaster management system, enabling faster emergency response and long-term tracking of fire incidents. The data collected will also help assess the programme’s overall impact over time.

“Fires in informal settlements can have devastating consequences for families and communities. Through this initiative, we aim to empower residents with early-warning technology and vital fire safety knowledge, helping to prevent loss of life and property. By working closely with local authorities and community partners, we are committed to creating safer, more secure spaces where individuals can live with greater peace of mind,” Fata said. 

Last month, a fire displaced over 400 residents and destroyed more than 200 homes at the Dakota Informal Settlement in Isipingo, Durban. In a separate incident, two people died and 22 families were left homeless after a fire broke out at the Sukamuva Informal Settlement in Crossmoor, Chatsworth. 

In Cape Town, a six-year-old boy was declared deceased when a fire ripped through informal settlements in Maroela Road in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein. A total of 20 structures were destroyed displacing 60 to 80 people. 

In an effort to also support school learners in need, Astron Energy introduced its Winter Shoe Drive across the three major cities: Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. 

It said this comes in response to requests by school principals and partners who have highlighted the urgent need for quality school shoes among children walking long distances in harsh weather conditions. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL

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