Fire leaves Eldorado Park families homeless after power surge

Two families from Turf Avenue, Ext 8 in Eldorado Park, lost all their belongings after a destructive fire burnt down their backroom shacks when power was restored on May 13.

Christopher Pienaar and his partner escaped the fire with their four children. A tenant in the same yard, Staford Peterson, also escaped with his wife and daughter.

The families lost valuable documents, furniture, clothes and tools that enabled them to put food on the table.

“I feel like my whole soul has been burned down. It’s emotional. I was finally getting things in place when the fire, caused by an electrical fault, destroyed everything. But I believe we will overcome this,” said Pienaar.

He shared how his children are struggling with the displacement.

“They are uncomfortable sleeping elsewhere, and seeing the mess makes them upset. They cannot express their feelings, but I can see the tears.”

Pienaar and his family are currently staying in the main house with his mother.

He hopes to rebuild his home and asks good Samaritans to lend a helping hand.

“Anything, no matter how small, would mean a lot. I have lost so much, and your support would be appreciated.”

The tenant explained how the fire started during the day, citing that his neighbour went to the bathroom, and when he came out, he saw the fire.

“I have lost everything. I am unemployed, and my wife is the only one working. I was relying on my plumbing work to provide for my family, but now my tools and everything are gone,” Peterson explained.

“My shack is ruined. I have tried to repair it, but there is no door, no windows and it is unsafe, especially with the crime in the area. I am really worried.”

The fire also displaced his 20-year-old daughter who had to move.

Peterson expressed his gratitude for the help he’s received. He said the community helped put out the fire.

“I appreciate the food and warmth, but the main issue is shelter. We cannot live without a roof over our heads. We need somewhere safe to sleep.”

City of Johannesburg council speaker Nobuhle Mthembu’ s office, Dr Meshack Van Wyk and stakeholders visited the family on May 16 to offer some relief.

Mthembu said that after they heard the news on Wednesday, they reached out to stakeholders, including Glenryck SA, who donated perishable goods like canned food, meat, and vegetables, as well as blankets.

She said disaster management also provided mattresses and blankets. However, more help is needed as the family, with many staying under one roof, faces the challenges of winter without sufficient warmth.

The workers from the speaker’s office volunteered to buy the children school shoes and uniforms to ensure that their education is not disrupted.

Addressing the broader issues, the Mthembu raised concerns about Johannesburg’s housing crisis.

“The fire has exposed the critical need for housing and shelter. We have a huge backlog, and many people cannot access decent homes.

“This problem is not only local but affects the entire country, with many flocking to Johannesburg for better opportunities that are not always available.

“We must address human settlement issues, which are becoming increasingly evident across both informal settlements and townships.”

To donate or offer any form of support to the affected families, contact Kelly at 082 3991408.