Tafelsig families lose their homes in blaze

Mitchell’s Plain community workers have rallied to assist several Tafelsig families lost their homes in a blaze.

Newly elected Tafelsig councillor Norman Adonis said 19 adults and 12 children were left homeless when two houses were gutted and seven Wendy houses were destroyed in a blaze on Saturday November 20.

“We are approaching the fire season like any other year and I ask my community to please be safe.

“Make sure that all plugs are off, lighters hidden, oil lamps and matches are kept away from your children. Make sure all fires are put out and that your surroundings are safe,” he said.

Mr Adonis said the City of Cape Town no longer distributed disaster kits, which could be obtained from the Department of Social Development.

“All I can do as the ward councillor is offer the families moral support,” he said.

Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City’s Fire and Rescue Service, said fire crews from Khayelitsha, Landsdowne, Kuilsriver and Macassar were on the scene.

They received the call at 10.34am and had extinguished the fire by 12.23pm.

Officers treated three women for smoke inhalation.

Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) spokesperson Charlotte Powell said they were assessing the scene.

Saul Markgraff, Good political party proportional representational (PR) councillor, said the Good Movement Team had offered clothes and food to the victims and would continue supporting them this week.

“We will continue to render speedy service delivery to our local community,” he said.