Aid at last for victims of fire

THEY lost everything in the devastating fire that ravaged their shacks in the informal settlement of 7de Laan in Valhalla Park. That is why they were so grateful for the donations received.

Mustadafin, a charity organisation dedicated to helping the needy, handed out food parcels to the affected group of people at the Valhalla Park Community Hall.

According to Nazlie Behardien, communications officer for Mustadafin, the organisation has been key in helping the community.

“We will be calling on a principal member of each family to come forward to collect their parcel. We will allow one other family member to assist them, as the parcels are quite heavy. The people called will come forth in groups of 10, instead of one large, chaotic group.”

The organisation provided enough parcels to feed 120 families, and there was gratitude on the many faces waiting in line. Crockery was included.

David Jooste, a 7de Laan community leader, said he had lost everything in the blaze.

“As a community leader, I wanted to make sure that everyone was out of their structures (homes) and safe before I allowed myself to try to save my own home.

“I was running back and forth between the fire trucks and the homes, and inhaled a lot of smoke.”

Jooste, 54, lives off the government disability grant, as his asthma is so severe that his doctor advised him to quit his work.

Since the blaze, he has been struggling with his health, as smoke inhalation from the fire has worsened his condition.

“I was sleeping in a local church after my family and I were displaced. Many people have received material to rebuild their homes, but my family and I have not. Many people who are not even registered 7de Laan residents grabbed materials, so there are a few of us still waiting. I know Mr Cupido (ward councillor Jonathan Cupido) will help us out. He’s a good man, and has worked tirelessly to make sure that those who are his responsibility are taken care of,” said Jooste.

He is still waiting for government officials to come to the community, as many people have lost their identity documents in the blaze.

“I would like nothing more than to rebuild my life.”

Betty Felix, 56, another 7de Laan resident, is still reeling from the blaze.

“I have absolutely nothing to my name,” she said. “I don’t have clothes, I don’t have money. My daughter lives in Maitland, and she tries to help me out, but I know it is difficult for her. I don’t even have a single panty or bra.”

The residents of 7de Laan have been rebuilding their lives, but cannot forget what they have lost.

According to Ebrahim Smith, disaster co-ordinator of Mustadafin, previous efforts to effectively help the residents of 7de Laan were less successful because there was corruption involved. Mustadafin was tasked to help the victims of the 7de Laan fire, and is in charge of the donations received.

“There is transparency now, because everyone who works and volunteers for us has to undergo background checks as well as police clearance. Each family can now walk away with something to start rebuilding their lives,” Smith added.

PREVIOUS EFFORTS TO HELP RESIDENTS WERE AFFECTED BY CORRUPTION