WATCH: Aid reaches Booysens informal settlement
The organisations joined hands to help the destitute.
The Booysens informal settlement community received much-needed help from the South African National Civics Organisation (Sanco) and the Bangladesh Business Community on February 7.
They lost all their belongings and homes when about 200 shacks burnt down on January 27. The community leader at the settlement, Phezile Sbotho, conceded that they needed help.
“We’ve accommodated elderly who cannot rebuild their homes at a church here at the informal settlement. Others are using dilapidated structures with no roof nearby, which used to belong to railway offices. There are many challenges here, and we are waiting for a Messiah. Who knows? Maybe he is still coming,” she said.
President of the Bangladesh Business Community, Giasudin Miya, said two people who work for them were affected by this fire, so when they heard about it, instead of helping just them they decided to help the whole community.
“We felt it appropriate to help this community because they lost everything. So today, we brought 10kg of mealie meal and rice, bar soaps, salt, candles, juice and noodles, to name a few. This is our way of helping out,” he said.
@southern.courier The Booysens informal settlement community received much-needed help from the South African National Civics Organisation (Sanco) and the Bangladesh Business Community on February 7. They lost all their belongings and homes when about 200 shacks burnt down on January 27. The community leader at the settlement, Phezile Sbotho, conceded that they needed help.
The regional chairperson of Sanco in greater Johannesburg, Pule Thomas Thaga, welcomed the contributions of people who helped the residents.
“This is not the first time fire has destroyed this settlement, and we always extend our help whenever there is a need. Even last time, we intervened. While they rebuild their homes, they must not worry about their stomachs and what to wear. That is why we brought clothes donated by our members and the community. We also approached the Bangladesh Business Community, even though they were on their way to help here.
“We want to restore dignity to the people here by providing basic needs. We appreciate everyone who helped and will always intervene when needed,” he said.
