A fire at Irene Grootboom House in Darling Street, District Six, over the weekend has left several families displaced and in urgent need of assistance. Emergency relief efforts are currently underway as community members rally to support those affected.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning, 6 June, damaging several rooms on the upper level of the building.
One of the leaders and residents of Irene Grootboom House, Siyaxolisa Mangali, said the exact cause of the fire remains unknown.
“We really don’t know what happened or how the fire started. It was early on Saturday morning when we woke up and people were shouting, ‘Fire, fire, fire,’” Mangali explained.
She said the fifth floor of the building was the most severely affected, with eight families impacted by the blaze.
“All of the rooms on that floor were affected because gas cylinders exploded after the fire spread. The roof is also severely damaged,” she said, adding that the building has since been declared safe for residents.
Mangali appealed to the public to assist families who have lost most of their belongings in the fire.
“Right now, we need mattresses, blankets and essential items such as food. There is also a toddler involved, as well as two school-going children,” she said.
Community members wishing to assist can donate food, clothing, blankets, mattresses or make monetary contributions. Donations can be dropped off at 104 Darling Street in District Six.
Mangali said the response from the community has already been encouraging, but more assistance is still urgently needed to help affected families rebuild their lives.
For donations or further information, Siyaxolisa Mangali can be contacted on +27 69 450 1476.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
Photo: Supplied
