The Hope SA Foundation has been working around the clock to help families affected by the gas tanker explosion with necessities such as food and blankets.

CEO of the foundation Namritha Sivsanker said they were met with a heavy feeling of grief and loss when they visited the scene.

“Victims and families of victims were welcoming guests into their homes, while still in shock about the tragedy and loss they faced as a result of the explosion.

“Some spoke about the incident and showed us where their loved ones were killed.

“Others are too traumatised and can’t bring themselves to talk about their lost loved ones.

“There is victims’ clothing all around the area; children’s shoes laying around. It is quite an emotional and heart wrenching scene,” she said.

“The impact of the blast left severe damage and claimed the lives of too many innocent people.

“We were welcomed into the homes of victims and were shocked at the amount of damage that their homes sustained.

“Windows and doors are completely shattered.

“Ceilings are dropping. Some have holes down the middle, with sharp wooden planks and metal sticking out and some of the roofs we saw look as if they are about to fall – a very dangerous situation for the families to remain in.

“There are big cracks on the walls and glass everywhere.”

Sivsanker added the community has had no one come to assess the damages and structural collapse of their homes but continue to welcome guests despite the rain and safety hazards.

“Most of these families have lost their children, parents and friends and the breadwinners of the households.

“They are distraught and stressed about how they are going to manage financially.

“Some of them are pensioners with disabilities who don’t have an income.

:We are so disappointed at the lack of support this community has received and how they have been left to fend for themselves,” she said.

Affected families 

Sivsanker explained the organisation personally visited seven homes.

“The Mashaba family lost their son and daughter-in-law.

“They leave behind a six-month-old baby and a three-year-old son and their daughter is in ICU.

“They need financial assistance, repairs to their home and assistance with the children’s needs.

She said Hendrieka, a sickly 83-year-old woman, lives in one of the houses that was extremely damaged.

“Her helper cannot be found. Her gardener, Joseph, was injured. The skin is burnt off of his neck.”

Furthermore, Rosetta had four children who passed away, along with her daughter’s fiancé.

“Her husband also passed away five months ago.

“She is taking care of other children who all depend on her as a sole provider. She requires financial assistance.”

Sivsanker added that resident Elize Geduld is still missing.

“She is presumed to be deceased but her body cannot be located.

“Her son, Janeal, died in the explosion. Her sister and husband are devastated.”

Some of the victims and their families do not wish to be named by media but we are trying to assist as many of these families as we can in Plantation, while also respecting their privacy during this devastating time.

Needs

How will Hope SA source the goods that are needed?

“We are purchasing groceries and necessary items and distributing these to the families,” said Sivsanker.

“Donations of any kind, including cash, are welcome. In the meanwhile, we are trying to fundraise to assist the families with any urgent repairs of their homes and to help with baby supplies, children’s clothing, food, funeral arrangements and toiletries.

“Moreover, we are looking for building contractors and trauma counsellors.”

Hope SA’s appeal to the public

“We need your help to help these families.

“I pray we can come together as South Africans and make a positive contribution.

“Contact us to volunteer your services to offer general, window pane and ceiling repairs.

“We require funds to do home repairs and help families with funeral arrangements.

What’s needed

Donate baby clothes, nappies size 4 & 5, boys aged 3, 4, 7 and a 12-year-old girl,  XL ladies, blankets,  groceries and water.

If you can’t donate physical items, Hope SA accept cash donations and will purchase on your behalf.

Hope SA Foundation can be contacted on Outreach@hopesa.org or phone 079 387 1716 or visit www.hopesa.org.

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