A devastating fire ripped through the Swapo informal settlement in Copsville, Pietermaritzburg, on Saturday, resulting in the death of a woman and the destruction of 20 shacks. The fire, which broke out in the early hours of the day, left many residents without homes. KwaZulu-Natal transport and human settlements MEC Siboniso Duma visited the scene and commended the Msunduzi municipality for its swift response to the disaster.
MEC Duma revealed that an initial assessment indicated that 15 shacks had been destroyed, but a verification process later established 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 also alleged that a foreigner was acting as the landlord, charging occupants R250 per shack.
According to MEC Duma, the woman who died in the fire was a foreigner, as was her partner who suffered burns. A child who was initially reported to have suffered burns was found to be alive and also a foreigner. The MEC did not specify the cause of the fire, but preliminary information indicated that it originated in the shack occupied by the woman who died.
MEC Duma further alleged 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 the department of human settlements had lost over R2bn due to fraud associated with the sale and rental of RDP houses to foreigners.
The MEC explained that the loss of R2bn was a significant blow to the department, as it included the purchase of land, rezoning for development, housing plans, environmental impact assessments, conveyancing, bulk infrastructure, and construction. He stressed that it takes years for the state to build RDP houses, and these must remain in the hands of South Africans.
The fire has left many residents of the Swapo informal settlement facing an uncertain future. The MEC's comments have sparked controversy, with some arguing that the government's stance on foreign nationals and government assistance is too rigid. However, the MEC maintained that the government's policy is clear and will be enforced.
The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by informal settlements in South Africa, including inadequate housing, lack of access to basic services, and vulnerability to disasters such as fires. The MEC's visit to the scene and his engagement with the affected residents have provided some reassurance that the government is committed to finding solutions to these challenges.
Key points
- A woman died and 20 shacks were destroyed in a fire at an informal settlement in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
- The cause of the fire has not been officially specified, but preliminary information suggests it originated in the shack of the woman who died.
- The incident has highlighted challenges faced by informal settlements in South Africa, including inadequate housing and vulnerability to disasters.
