It is difficult to get precise information in the initial confusion but:

at least two people are dead
at least 75 homes are destroyed
at least 100 families are homeless and many have lost all that they own
at least 400 people have been made homeless

As with each fire in each settlement it has to be pointed out that these are not acts of God. This suffering is avoidable and it happens because, as the eThekwini Municipality s electricity policy states, In the past (1990s) electrification was rolled out to all and sundry…because of the lack of funding…electrification of the informal settlements has been discontinued. There s plenty of money for a loss making theme park or a loss making A1 Grand Prix but not for the poor to be able to live without the fear of constant fires.

People have come from Abahlali settlements across Durban and Pinetown to help with clearing up, salvaging of building material that can be beaten back into shape and the rebuilding.

For comment or to offer support – food, blankets, building materials, medical assistance – please contact Zama Ndlovu on 0833305392 or Thelumusa Lembede 0766837751.