Ray of Hope gives hope to Angelo fire victims

The 25 families that lost their homes and belongings in a fire in Angelo informal settlement were treated to meals and donations of bread and nappies by the Ray of Hope Foundations on October 6.

The fire, which broke out on September 30 at night, is believed to have been caused by a primus paraffin stove.

Community leader Sylvia Letsoalo said nine children are among the affected.

“Of the 25 shacks demolished, six have so far been rebuilt with scrap sheeting but the other families are still in safe havens,” she said.

Sandra Allies, a member of Ray of Hope, said they offered assistance as these families are going through a hard time.

“We all have a responsibility to help each other as human beings. That’s what we believe in at Ray of Hope,” she explained.

Sandra thanked their sponsors Albany Bakery, Community Development Foundation, Compass and DRD Gold.

Ward 33 Clr Ashley Hoods thanked the foundation for assisting and said he has approached the Ekurhuleni DEMS to ask for help for the families with the necessary materials to rebuild their homes.

Resident Nofika Sabisa explained she was sleeping when she was informed about the fire that was spiralling out of control.

“A tree branch fell on my shack and it caught fire. The fire was massive and we couldn’t stop it. It burned all my essential items,” she stated.

Vuyelwa Mgengwana, who also lost all her belongings, said she was sleeping with her three children when the fire started.

“I was awoken by one of my children who told me there was fire. The fire extended at a fast pace due to a gas stove cylinder that was in one of the shacks

“I told my children to go out of the shack and I followed. We tried hard to stop the fire, but it was too late. The fire had already caught our shack, it burnt everything down.

“We lost everything, which includes two beds, a wardrobe, kitchen unit, television, four couches, clothing, certificates, ID and my children’s school uniforms,” Sabisa said, adding that firefighters arrived at the scene but it was too late.

She is appealing to Good Samaritans to help her by donating school uniforms to her children, as the schools are re-opening on October 10.

“One of my sons is 17 and attends Reiger Park Secondary. The other sons are 11 and 13 and my daughter is 15 and they all go to Comet Primary School.”

Anyone who wants to assist the families call Letsoala on 072 105 2328.

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