Masiphumelele fire leaves hundreds homeless

Hundreds of residents have been left homeless after a devastating fire tore through parts of Masiphumelele in Cape Town on Tuesday, destroying around 160 informal structures.

Initial estimates suggest between 500 and 650 people were affected, with final numbers expected once the City of Cape Town completes its official registration process.

"The fire was absolutely out of control at times.

"The devastation is such that I don't know whether the City will bulldoze the site or whether the people will be allowed to return later today onto that site and rebuild their structures," says Pastor John Thomas of Living Hope Trust, the NGO appointed by the City as the official disaster response in the area.

He adds that residents were desperately trying to save their homes and belongings, navigating narrow alleyways with buckets of water, fridges and microwaves as the fire spread.

Thomas says displaced families are being taken in by neighbours, churches and friends, as community members rally to support those who lost everything. 

He is appealing for donations, with immediate needs including baby formula, nappies, hygiene items and clothing.

Items can be dropped off at Living Hope's Capri offices, located at 7 Kommetjie Main Road, opposite Sunnyacres Shopping Centre.

To listen to Thomas in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, use the audio player below: