Pietermaritzburg — Eighteen families are trying to piece their lives together after a fire destroyed their homes at the Mkhondeni/ Shorts Retreat Informal Settlement (well known as Sacca) on Saturday.
uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) coordinator for the Moses Mabhida District, Ntuthuko Mkhize said the families were left homeless and desperate for assistance.
According to Mkhize the fire fighters responded swiftly and extinguished the blaze, but the aftermath has left the area waterlogged, with residents drenched, muddied, and vulnerable.
Mkhize said that despite the urgency of the situation, response from government departments has been slow.
Mkhize, was among the first to arrive at the scene. Mkhize said he immediately informed all relevant authorities, including the national Department of Human Settlements, which has the authority to activate disaster relief measures.
“However, no action has been taken by the department. Adding to the frustration, the Msunduzi Municipality has stated it will only address the disaster a day later—leaving displaced residents to fend for themselves in the meantime,” Mkhize said.
"This is a blatant disregard for human dignity. Our indigenous people are being treated like second-class citizens,“ he added.
Mkhize said the needs of the affected families were urgent. He said they require a safe place to sleep, warm clothing, food, and access to basic facilities such as showers and toilets.
“Shockingly, the provincial disaster management warehouse—filled with supplies—is located in Mkondeni, not far from the settlement. Yet, it remains untouched while victims suffer,” Mkhize said.
"It’s an absolute shame that while public officials are warm in their homes, they are in no hurry to provide aid," Mkhize said.
"We demand immediate action to ensure these families are cared for. There are halls and community centres that could temporarily house them, but the disaster management protocol is being ignored,“ he added.
Mkhize stated that the tragedy highlights ongoing inequalities and systemic failures in disaster response. According to Mkhize it is a painful reminder of the long road still ahead in the fight for equality and dignity.
“The MK Party has pledged to continue pressuring authorities to act swiftly and humanely, but for now, the affected families remain in dire need of compassion and support from their government and fellow citizens,” Mkhize said.
The Msunduzi Municipality stated it will issue a statement on the incident soon.
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