More than 3000 people were left homeless after about 800 shacks were destroyed by a fire in Khayamandi, near Stellenbosch.
|||Cape Town - More than 3000 people were left homeless after about 800 shacks were destroyed by a fire in Khayamandi, near Stellenbosch on Friday, disaster management services said.
“Stellenbosch municipality is being assisted by the provincial government - the social development department - in providing food and disaster housing kits,” it said in a statement.
“One meal has already been dispensed and another will be provided towards evening.”
Destitute families were staying with family and friends, while others stayed at the community hall.
“From tomorrow onwards the social relief of distress unit will be in charge of food provision. Special attention is given to the needs of babies and children.
“Critical to the smooth running of the whole process is the registration and verification of the victims. This process has already started and will hopefully be concluded by Friday night or early Saturday morning.”
Earlier, international news agency Agence France-Presse reported that two people died in the fire.
“We had two fatalities,” Stellenbosch fire chief Leon Morta told the agency.
“We suspect that it was a candle that overturned but obviously there will be a proper investigation that will determine the cause of the fire.” - Sapa