Brand South Africa has called on citizens to assist families in Kathrada Park, who were left homeless when their shacks caught fire in the early hours of Monday morning.
According to Robert Mulaudzi of Johannesburg Emergency Services, 50 shacks caught fire in Kathrada Park, an informal settlement in Claremont, west of Johannesburg, with about 100 – 120 people displaced.
“At this stage, there are no injuries or fatalities which have been reported. However, we just want to encourage all our residents throughout the city’s 189 informal settlements to exercise caution with all heating devices and not leave paraffin and stoves unattended to prevent fire incidents like this one,” Mulaudzi said.
Brand South Africa’s Chief Marketing Officer, Linda Magapatona-Sangaret, said it is unfortunate that a nation still wakes up to news that many people are left displaced due to fires.
“Thank you to the firefighters who were prompt in their response and were able to spare the many lives caught in the disaster. Your hard work does not go unnoticed.
“The greatness of a nation can be judged by how it treats its less fortunate citizens. It is, therefore, important that all citizens unite and play their part in helping in any way possible,” Magapatona-Sangaret said.
The resources required include non-perishable foods, wood, corrugated iron sheets, mattresses, blankets, clothes, toiletries, sanitary pads, diapers and toys.
Citizens are called upon to assist by donating and dropping off resources for the displaced families at the Sandton Fire Station in Grayston Drive, Sandown.
The Sandton Fire Station can be reached on 011 375 5911. – SAnews.gov.za
