A fire over the Easter weekend destroyed several homes in Imizamo Yethu, sending the area into a frenzy as people were left scrambling for supplies to rebuild.
Image: Facebook
It was a grim Easter Sunday in Imizamo Yethu after yet another fire tore through the area.
Ten wood and iron shacks were destroyed and two formal homes were partially damaged, with approximately 30 people being displaced and no injuries reported.
Faseka Jakola takes care of her two siblings, aged 9 and 11, but returned home from work only to find their home up in flames.
"My brother and sister were just sitting outside crying. They tried to save what they could, but it was too late because then they had to save themselves," she sadly told Sentinel News.
She browsed through what her siblings were able to rescue, but remained defeated, saying: "We cannot live like this. It feels like we are always just rebuilding our lives, only to have it burning away."
Ms Jakola had also lost all her possessions in another fire a few years ago.
"The people of IY are starting to lose hope. It's like we just accept that this will happen to us," Ms Jakola said.
IY residents trying to salvage what they can to rebuild their homes.
Image: Facebook
Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said the emergency call was received at around 12.50pm on Sunday of structures alight.
He said several crews attended to the scene.
"By 2.30pm, firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze which destroyed 10 informal structures, partially damaging two formal houses and leaving approximately 30 persons displaced," he said.
"No injuries were reported and the cause is yet to be determined."
Community leader Kenny Tokwe said the scenes were "sad" as people sat around waiting for help.
"This is really sad, people losing all their belongings and not much support in terms of materials to start rebuilding their homes," Mr Tokwe said.
He said the latest fire should serve as a message to the City of Cape Town, that Imizamo Yethu needs better services.
"All I can say is that we need the City to come and help solve the overcrowding issues and for proper houses to be delivered for all," he said.
"The City must commit to properly intergrating the three communities, which are IY, Hangberg and the valley, to bring dignity to all who live in Hout Bay."
The last fire also left several residents homeless when four shacks were destroyed in Mandela Park ("IY fire leaves four families homeless", Sentinel News, August 23, 2024).
Ward councillor Roberto Quintas said the blaze "could have been worse" due to the windy conditions, but the quick intervention of Fire and Rescue helped to contain the blaze.
He said the City's Disaster Risk Management (DRM) was actioned and established the extent of the damages, as well as processed the required services to do restorations in Imizamo Yethu.
"Those affected will be registered by our DRM for SASSA fire relief funds, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost much. It is unfortunate that many holidays and weekends are marred by fires in our communities, and I urge residents to exercise caution when braaing or using fire; and to enjoy holidays responsibly," Mr Quintas said.