A devastating fire swept through the Swapo informal settlement in Copsville, Pietermaritzburg, on Saturday, claiming one life and destroying 20 shacks. The fire broke out in the early hours of the day, leaving many residents without homes. KwaZulu-Natal transport and human settlements MEC Siboniso Duma visited the scene, commending the Msunduzi municipality for its swift response to the disaster.
According to MEC Duma, an initial assessment indicated that 15 shacks had been destroyed, but a verification process later confirmed that 20 structures were affected. The destroyed shacks were occupied by 19 foreigners and one person identified as a South African, whose identification document's authenticity is being verified with the department of home affairs. The MEC alleged that a foreigner was acting as the landlord, charging occupants R250 per shack.
The woman who died in the fire was identified as a foreigner, as was her partner who suffered burns. A child initially reported to have suffered burns was found to be alive and also a foreigner. Preliminary information suggests that the fire originated in the shack occupied by the woman who died. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire.
MEC Duma revealed that some South Africans were attempting to front for foreigners to enable them to receive government assistance. He reiterated that foreign nationals would never be considered for emergency housing assistance, building material, or RDP houses, in line with government policy. The MEC emphasized that RDP houses were intended for South Africans.
The department of human settlements has reportedly lost over R2 billion due to fraud associated with the sale and rental of RDP houses to foreigners. This loss includes the costs of land purchase, rezoning, housing plans, environmental impact assessments, conveyancing, bulk infrastructure, and construction. MEC Duma stressed that it takes years for the state to build RDP houses, which must remain in the hands of South Africans.
The MEC's comments have sparked controversy, with some arguing that they may be seen as xenophobic. However, Duma maintained that the government's position on providing assistance to foreign nationals is clear. The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by informal settlements in South Africa, including inadequate housing and infrastructure.
The Msunduzi municipality has been commended for its response to the fire, but the incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of residents in informal settlements. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have promised to provide support to those affected.
Key points
- A woman died and 20 shacks were destroyed in a fire at an informal settlement in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
- The fire highlighted challenges faced by informal settlements, including inadequate housing and infrastructure.
- Authorities have lost over R2 billion due to fraud associated with RDP houses being sold or rented to foreigners.
