What is alleged to have begun as a fight stemming from a love triangle led to the death of one person and the displacement of more than 2 000 residents of the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement in Clare Estate, Durban.

A billowing blaze which claimed the life of a 25-year-old man and left a child missing is said to have engulfed the settlement in the early hours of Sunday morning, destroying 1 101 homes, and leaving 1 710 adults and 647 children without a roof over their heads.

Residents lost belongings, legal documentation as well as other essentials. Most affected families have sought temporary shelter with relatives, while others have been relocated to community halls.

Mlungisi Mfubu (42) who has been a resident of the settlement for more than 15 years said: “I woke up to the sound of people screaming. I could hear them yelling out that there was a fire. I went outside and I could see a blaze. I quickly packed my most important items into my bag and placed it outside my door and went in to get more things but then the blaze caught up with me and I had to leave those things and save myself. The bag I had left outside was stolen by the time I came back. So, now I am left with nothing to my name,” said an emotional Mfubu.

Another resident of the settlement, Nombulelo Mab added: “As the community of Kennedy Road, we have been devastated by this fire. It has happened at a time when children are supposed to start the new school term. How will that happen when children who live here have lost their clothes, books and most importantly their homes? This event has surely left emotional scars in them and they need trauma counselling. We appeal for help in getting our children back into school as soon as possible.”

Help offered, more needed

Ward 25 councillor Themba Mkhize said the eThekwini Municipality has stepped in to assist the victims of the fire but the community, however, is still in need of assistance with food, blankets, clothing and other essential items.

“The municipality has come forward and are trying their best to assist the victims of this disaster but it is simply just not enough. There are about 2 000 people here who need urgent help. Most have been left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Any donations are welcome,” said Mkhize.

Those who would like to make donations towards the victims of the fire can contact Mkhize on 078 219 4274.

KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said while the provincial government has long-term plans to provide permanent and decent housing for all citizens, their immediate focus is assisting the fire victims to regain a sense of normalcy by rebuilding their homes.

“Some residents have already begun rebuilding, and the government will offer further relief and support wherever possible,” said the premier. Dube-Ncube emphasised the importance of extra caution during the winter season for residents using candles or paraffin stoves.

“We appeal to residents to exercise extra vigilance during winter. Lit candles and paraffin stoves must never be left unattended, and they should be kept away from combustible materials such as curtains, tablecloths, or paper. Children should never be left alone or unsupervised near a lit candle or paraffin stove, as it can lead to dangerous situations with severe consequences,” she added.