Masiphumelele disaster gazetted

The Masiphumelele disaster relief has been gazetted following a fire that ripped through the area on Thursday December 17.

Mayor Dan Plato signed the Local Disaster Declaration which sets in motion the process for relief funding from the national government.

The documents allowed the Western Cape Local Government to gazette the disaster which will enable the City to issue building kits to the registered fire-affected residents once funding becomes available.

Some of the victims lost all their belongings in the fire that was fenned by strong winds. Since then, donations have been coming in from various organisations and members of the public.

Mr Plato thanked all those who've made a contribution.

"I wish to thank the organisation Gift of the Givers which has been feeding the more than 6 000 fire-affected residents. The organisation Living Hope is also playing a vital role in coordinating the donations and relief and we are grateful to have them on board to do the good work that they are doing. Thank you also to Respond Church Consortium for its assistance. Thank you to the many Capetonians that have donated aid thus far. The outpouring of love and kindness for the fire-victims is truly appreciated.

We appeal to members of the public to please donate essential items such as blankets, baby food, nappies, baby milk and non-perishable food to Living Hope in Masiphumelele. Please also support animal welfare organisations that are collecting cat and dog food donations for the affected families’ pets. As a City, we are doing everything in our power to expedite the process of accessing the national disaster funding," said Mr Plato.

Meanwhile, more donations are needed. Here is another way you can assist.