GEORGE NEWS - Exactly a month before Christmas, on Friday 25 November, four families from Edameni, an informal settlement in Thembalethu, lost all their belongings when a fire razed their homes to the ground.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage, but it is believed that one of the homes caught alight and the flames spread to the other homes. No injuries were reported.
One of the homes belonged to ANC ward councillor for Ward 12, Eric Mdaka.
George Speaker Sean Snyman visited the scene the following day. "It is times like these when a tragedy hits the town, when you realise suffering to one is suffering to all. I appeal to the public to please assist the families where possible. I cannot imagine losing my home and all of my belongings just before Christmas," he said.
George Municipality's community development office assisted the families with blankets, matresses and food parcels while the cases were also referred to Sassa for further assistance.
Food, blankets, furniture, building materials, nappies, milk and clothing for three men, six women, a two-year-old baby, four teenage boys (10, 12, 14 and 16) and a teenage girl (16) are needed. Donations can be dropped off at 39 Meade Street. Any and all donations are welcome.
According to the director of Planning, Development and Human Settlements Lauren Waring, the housing needs are being assessed and they will assist with temporary structures where everything complies with the policy.
The scene on Saturday morning.
Four families lost everything when their homes in Thembalethu were razed to the ground. Photo: Zama Gagu
An attempt to clean up the mess and salvage whatever they could.
Photo: Zama Gagu
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