30 Mzamomhle families destitute after raging fire

MZAMOMHLE residents in Gonubie spent most of New Year’s Day trying to save what was left of their belongings after their shacks caught alight, displacing more than 30 families.

They believe the fire started at the home of a man who fell asleep while cooking. There were no fatalities. One person suffered some minor burns.

A local tavern owner, Nompumelelo Dayimani, said she had stocked up with alcohol worth R24 000 in preparation for New Year’s Day – a time when her business always booms.

However, all that smoke.

She said the combined value of her assets that were burnt, was about R50 000.

“I lost R24 000 worth of SAB stock alone. I am left with nothing but a fridge and a TV. I still need to think about what to do next,” she said.

Siphiwo Mkaki, 43, who is disabled, recalled how he escaped.

“I was asleep when the fire started until my nephew came to wake me up and quickly helped me into my wheelchair. We couldn’t save anything from the shack,” he said.

Those left homeless have been housed at a community hall.

Yesterday, local businesses, Buffalo City metro and non-governmental organisations donated mattresses, went up in blankets, essentials.

Those who came to the destitute families’ aid, include Gonubie SPAR donating supper, BCM blankets, and local businesses brought 40 mattresses from the Mzamomhle Public School. The mattresses are to be returned to the school before it reopens next week.

Other organisations, such as LIA, Gonubie Protect, the Somalian community, Gonubie Network and Ignite Community Church also lent a helping hand.

Various foreign-owned businesses gave a donation of groceries through the Eastern Cape Foreign Community.

“Mark Colin and King Mohammed Hassan Sayan, the owners of MegaSave, donated R15 000 worth of groceries through our structures,” said the coordinator of the organisation’s Eastern Cape chapter, Ali Ibrahim Mohamed.

Councillor Boy-Boy Kalani said they were still waiting for the human settlements department to determine how they would intervene.

Municipal services political head councillor Helen Neale-May said they would meet with other officials today to discuss a way forward.

Police spokeswoman Warrant Officer Hazel Mqala said no case had been opened. — food and other