20 Jan Strong winds prevent firefighting efforts in worst blaze since 2013

More than 5,500 residents have been left homeless after a devastating fire tore through the Du Noon informal settlement, destroying more than 1,000 dwellings in what is believed to be the worst informal settlement blaze in the Western Cape since the Khayelitsha fire of 2013.

Fanned by strong winds, the fire spread rapidly, severely hindering firefighting efforts.

Helicopters were deployed for aerial water bombing while firefighters battled the flames from the ground under extremely challenging conditions.

Despite their efforts, large sections of the settlement were destroyed, leaving families traumatised and without shelter.

Founder and chairperson of Gift of the Givers, Imtiaz Sooliman, described in a statement: “Residents returning from an honest day of hard work shrieked in disbelief, sobbing, heartbroken as they watched their life’s possessions disintegrate in front of their very eyes.”

He said the emotional toll on the community was profound, with ‘sadness, anxiety and a sense of loss’ pervasive as residents became ‘refugees in their own space’.

“Tribute to the firefighters, disaster management teams, helicopter pilots, emergency services and SAPS serving admirably with distinction as committed public servants,” he said.

Gift of the Givers mobilised immediately after the fire broke out, assisting both emergency personnel and displaced residents.

“Gift of the Givers teams were on site immediately the fire commenced, supporting the firefighters with water, energy drinks, energy biscuits and lip ice and being a source of comfort to the residents,” Sooliman said.

According to the organisation, 3,000 displaced residents and 220 emergency workers were fed on the first night.

By the following morning, breakfast had been provided to 3,500 people, with lunch and supper planned in the days ahead.

“The spirit of our South African Ubuntu certainly has to triumph as we request all tiers of government, corporates and the public to support the development of Du Noon materially and financially,” he said.

He outlined urgently needed donations, including building materials, clothing, linen, non-perishable food items, hygiene kits, school uniforms, stationery, sanitary pads and nappies.

While the fire is being tackled, one question remains: how do firefighting teams work around natural barriers, such as strong winds?