5 May 2011
The SACP in Masiphumelele grieves with the people of the township during their loss of shelter and personal belongings due to the fire that ravaged the township on early Monday the 2nd May 2011. More than 600 homes were destroyed with more than 1500 people loosing shelter, their belongings as well as their dignity as they have to stand in long queues waiting to be fed under a strong metro security guideline. At least two people were burned beyond recognition.
The fire has exposed the huge inequalities between the only settlement of black people and the surrounding white suburbs in the DA controlled ward 69. Whilst there are acres of unoccupied land outside Masiphumelele, black people are deliberately trapped in small piece of land where there are no streets for fire fighters during disasters.
The Mayor of Cape Town promised to assist the people by making sure that streets will be made and that people would be transferred to other land but he ran away without fulfilling his promises.
However the SACP is grateful and commends the work done by volunteers who gave their time to assist people with food, clothing and blankets. The work done in unity across colour lines is encouraging.
The SACP calls for the revival of street committees to make things easy during disasters in identifying and assisting people in need.
For more information contact
Lunga Mathambo (Branch Secretary)
Cell: 073 609 2165