Devastating Fire Destroys Homes in Westlake Informal Settlement

A fire tore through the Westlake informal settlement in Cape Town late on Thursday night, destroying between 12 and 20 shacks and leaving several families without homes or basic necessities.

The blaze broke out around 23:20, with firefighters responding quickly to prevent further spread. Despite their efforts, multiple families have been displaced and are now relying on urgent community support.

Community Calls for Help

Ward 71 Councillor Carolynne Franklin confirmed the destruction and appealed to the public for assistance.

“These families now have nothing – no clothes, no food, no shelter. They need our help now more than ever,” Franklin said.

Urgent Needs for Displaced Families

Residents and organisations are asked to donate:

• Clothing and blankets for adults and children

• Non-perishable food: tins, rice, pasta, maize meal, oil, long-life milk

• Groceries: potatoes, onions, tomatoes, salt, brown onion soup, stock cubes

• Protein items: peanut butter, jam, frozen chicken

• Fresh bread and bottled water

• Toiletries and baby items: nappies, formula, wet wipes (for two toddlers)

Donation Drop-Off Points

• 🟢 Physical drop-off: 14 Myrtle Road, Tokai (contact Cessi on 082 900 1832 before arrival)

• 🟢 Retail collection: Pick n Pay, Steenberg Village (donation trolley available in-store)

• 🟢 Financial donations: Managed by Tokai Neighbourhood Crime Watch (TNCW) via SnapScan

The affected families have lost everything, and the community is urged to respond quickly with any form of support.

{Source: TheSouthAfrican}

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