Mayor Dan Plato has made an impassioned plea for an end to shacks, at a City of Cape Town-organised memorial service for nine members of one family who died in a fire.
"I appeal to the three spheres of government to look at the number of shacks in the Western Cape and Cape Town," Plato told a memorial service for the nine on Wednesday.
"They need to see what they can do to eliminate the shack structures. Only if we stand together as the government and as communities will we be able to overcome all the difficulties experienced in this form of living."
Khayelitsha's OR Tambo sports hall was packed for the memorial service.
Close relatives of those who died huddled together near the front of the hall, while about 300 residents sang and danced. A choir also sang.
The fire broke out early last Wednesday, engulfing two large wood-and-iron structures in Lingelethu West, Khayelitsha.
A candle had been left burning on a plastic chair.
Sisters Marche, 30, and Nomampondo Mdla, 26, died with their boyfriends, Bulelani Nqundwana, 38, and David Khoboka, 33, and their five children.
The children were Nomampondo's eight-year-old daughter, Asimahle, and Marche's three sons - Aviwe, 5, Luxolo, 4, and six-month-old Spumzo - and daughter, Andisiwe, 3.
They were locked inside their homes and emergency officials were unable to get in to fight the flames.
Plato extended his "deepest condolences" to the family.
Grandmothers Eunice Ndibi and Rosalina Ndibi and a cousin, Patience Gwa, were among the close relatives at the service.
"This incident was really very tragic," Plato said.
"I just want to say to the family, may God give you the strength to go through this difficult time."
Plato wished the family a safe trip to the Eastern Cape for the funerals.
ANC provincial task team leader and Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana also attended the service.
"I appeal to the three spheres of government to look at the number of shacks in the Western Cape and Cape Town," Plato told a memorial service for the nine on Wednesday.
"They need to see what they can do to eliminate the shack structures. Only if we stand together as the government and as communities will we be able to overcome all the difficulties experienced in this form of living."
Khayelitsha's OR Tambo sports hall was packed for the memorial service.
Close relatives of those who died huddled together near the front of the hall, while about 300 residents sang and danced. A choir also sang.
The fire broke out early last Wednesday, engulfing two large wood-and-iron structures in Lingelethu West, Khayelitsha.
A candle had been left burning on a plastic chair.
Sisters Marche, 30, and Nomampondo Mdla, 26, died with their boyfriends, Bulelani Nqundwana, 38, and David Khoboka, 33, and their five children.
The children were Nomampondo's eight-year-old daughter, Asimahle, and Marche's three sons - Aviwe, 5, Luxolo, 4, and six-month-old Spumzo - and daughter, Andisiwe, 3.
They were locked inside their homes and emergency officials were unable to get in to fight the flames.
Plato extended his "deepest condolences" to the family.
Grandmothers Eunice Ndibi and Rosalina Ndibi and a cousin, Patience Gwa, were among the close relatives at the service.
"This incident was really very tragic," Plato said.
"I just want to say to the family, may God give you the strength to go through this difficult time."
Plato wished the family a safe trip to the Eastern Cape for the funerals.
ANC provincial task team leader and Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana also attended the service.
- Cape Times
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