Morgan van de Rede9 June 2025 | 4:15

Human Settlements Minister Simelane calls for speedy housing of Khayelitsha families left destitute by fire

More than 50 structures were burnt down in a fire in the area on Saturday amid a blistering cold front that hit the Western Cape

Human Settlements Minister Simelane calls for speedy housing of Khayelitsha families left destitute by fire

FILE: Minister Thembi Simelane. Picture: @GovernmentZA/X

CAPE TOWN - Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has called for a speedier process to rehouse families left homeless by a recent fire in Khayelitsha.

More than 50 structures were burnt down in a fire in the area on Saturday amid a blistering cold front that hit the Western Cape.

ALSO READ: Devastating Khayelitsha fire leaves over 140 people destitute

The fire has now prompted another appeal from authorities for communities to be cautious when handling cooking and heating appliances. 

"There is a strong likelihood that affected qualifying households will be assisted with building materials to enable them to restore their structures. This is one of the four categories of emergency housing interventions provided by the National Department of Human Settlements," said Tsekiso Machike, the minister's spokesperson.

Machike said the destitute families are a top priority.

"Meanwhile, building material is expected to be delivered between this coming Tuesday and Wednesday to 57 families affected by a fire at Kennedy Road informal settlement, Ethekwini."