Hundreds homeless after devastating fire guts over 200 shacks in Khayelitsha
Mapaballo Borotho
- A fire in Khayelitsha’s Phakamani Road informal settlement has left hundreds homeless after more than 200 shacks were destroyed.
- No injuries or deaths have been reported, while Gift of the Givers has deployed relief teams to assist affected residents.
- The cause of the blaze is still under police investigation.
Hundreds of people have been left homeless after a devastating fire tore through Khayelitsha’s Phakamani Road informal settlement on Sunday.
The blaze destroyed more than 200 shacks, leaving many residents without shelter, clothing and food.
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far. Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers said the fire is the largest incident recorded since the festive season.
The organisation painted a grim picture of the devastation, noting that the fire affected vulnerable residents, including young children, some of whom are expected to begin the 2026 academic year next week.
Gift of the Givers added that an immediate response team has been deployed, and relief items will be distributed over the coming days.
“The exact number of people affected is still being assessed at this early stage, as disaster management teams and the community continue to register those impacted,” the organisation said.
Community leaders are working with the South African Disaster Risk Management authorities to provide temporary accommodation.
The cause of the fire remains unknown and is under police investigation.
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