After multiple structures were destroyed by fire in the Dunoon area, Gift of the Givers deployed teams to provide assistance to those affected by the disaster.
Gift of the Givers provides relief to victims
“We are encountering residents returning from the Eastern Cape with their luggage, only to discover that they no longer have a home to return to. Thousands have been left homeless, while many parents and children were looking forward to the first day of school,” said the organisation’s spokesperson, Ali Sablay.
“Instead, this marks a grim and frustrating period for close to 1,000 learners who were hoping to begin the school year despite significant challenges,” he added.
As the academic year begins, the organisation cited reports from parents who have expressed “deep frustration”, particularly as some learners were meant to start their schooling journey in Grade 1.
“They are unable to do so because they are undocumented, with all IDs and birth certificates destroyed in the fire. Matriculants are also beginning this critical year under traumatic circumstances. Residents have further voiced frustration over the slow response from the National Department of Home Affairs,” Sablay explained.
Gift of the Givers has since extended its operations, noting that significantly greater support is required to assist nearly 5,000 affected residents.
Disaster Risk Management Centre’s response to the fires
“Registration of affected persons from Friday’s fire in Dunoon is expected to be completed later today. At this stage, 589 structures have been destroyed, leaving more than 2,450 people displaced. These figures will be updated once final registrations are complete,” said Disaster Risk Management Centre spokesperson, Charlotte Powell.
According to Powell, the City’s Solid Waste Department will remove debris from the fire site on Monday, 12 January 2026.
“The City’s Water and Sanitation Department is working to restore damaged infrastructure, while Eskom was on site over the weekend to repair damaged electricity infrastructure,” she added.
Photo: Supplied
