Fire victims still waiting for assistance
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality is awaiting a full report from the ward councillors where the families reside, on assistance provided to them.
Two families whose homes were gutted by fire last year have not yet received any assistance from the municipality in which they live.
The families who live in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) said the only relief they have received was from the fire department and Departments of Human Settlements on the day of the incidents.
Neither the department nor the municipality have since returned after promising to do so, as well as sourcing the necessary assistance needed by the families.
In KwaNzimakwe, the Radebe family’s home burnt down after lightning struck it and destroyed all their belongings, leaving just the walls of their eight-room home standing.
The head of the household, Meshack Radebe said the festive season was challenging for them.
“It was a difficult Christmas and New Year’s for my family. We had nothing. We slept on cold floors and had little to eat, however we survived.
“We were hopeful that a Good Samaritan or some help would reach us before Christmas, however to no avail. What is more challenging now is that the children will be going back to school in a week and they have no uniforms, shoes or stationery “said Radebe.
He appeals to the community to help with items that will assist the children for school. “In my household we have five children, four aged 14, 11, 7 and 5 are in need of uniforms. I don’t know where to start. I am appealing for any donations,” he added.
The Nodubela family from Fairview in Umzumbe whose home burnt down in November 2022 received assistance from the Hibberdene Lions Club with donations of pots, pans, crockery, food and a water container.
Andiswa Nodubela was grateful to the Lions for the donation, however she is concerned whether she will be able to get school uniforms for her children, with school starting next week.
RNM spokesperson, Simon April said the municipality is awaiting a full report from the respective ward councillors in the areas the families reside.
April said with regard to such victims, and due to regulations but also limited resources, the municipality only provides temporary relief in the form of blankets, mattresses and sometimes a tent as a temporary shelter.
“It should be noted that these are provided or supplied to the victims as and when they are available. Then the councillor working with the War Room members refer such incidents to relevant departments such as social development, human settlements and home affairs. The War Room working with the municipality sometimes mobilises additional assistance to victims of such incidents,” said April.
He said according to an RNM report, items available for temporary relief were provided to the victims.
“Though the Department of Social Development school uniforms are also covered. If possible, the municipality does assist through its annual back to school programme where a full set of school uniform is given to selected deserving learners. We are still waiting for a full report on what has been done to assist these families from ward councillors,” he concluded.
Anyone wishing to privately donate to the families can contact Meshack Radebe on 078 5907365 or 072 3478092 and Ibrahim Shaik on 083 7863778 who is assisting the Nodubelas’.
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