Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Councillor Benson Fihla together with Social Development Special Programmes MEC, Pemmy Majodini embarked on a series of visits across the Bay on Monday, 14 October, to provide much needed support and relief to members of the community who were affected by the recent shack fires in Malabar Extension 6 and the recent death of a teenager at a place of safety.
The number of families affected by the shack fire on Saturday is still unknown as more families turn up at the Malabar Community Hall and the Revival Faith Mission Church on a daily basis, looking for a safe place to sleep and a warm meal.
These families lost all their belongings including Identity Documents and Sassa cards in the blaze. Children have been unable to attend school as their uniforms were also lost in the blaze.
Members of the community have been forced to seek shelter with their relatives and close friends, however many have been left destitute.
During her visit with Executive Mayor Fihla, Social Development Special Programmes MEC, Pemmy Majodini, expressed her sadness and regret at the situation community members find themselves in, emphasising that the blame for the shack fires cannot be laid at someone’s door, but she is working tirelessly with Executive Mayor, Cllr Fihla and all departments concerned to provide solutions to deal with the aftermath of the fire.
She further ensured extension 6 community members that Home Affairs will return to collect all necessary information needed to replace lost Identity Documents and Birth Certificates of young children. She will also ensure children receive new school uniforms in order for them to go back to school as soon as possible. A warm meal will also be provided on a daily basis.
The pair also visited the grief stricken grandmother of 17-year-old Siphosethu Mali who tragically passed away in hospital on Friday (11 October 2013).
Executive Mayor Benson Fihla and Social Development Special Programmes MEC, Pemmy Majodini expressed their heartfelt regret and sympathy at the loss of a young man’s life. They also pledged their full support in this trying time.
Social Development Special Programmes MEC Majodina encouraged the family to remain united and work through their tragic loss as a unit.
Siphosethu died in hospital after he was allegedly beaten during an altercation following his escape from the Ekuselweni Secure Care Centre in Kwazakhele which accommodates youths awaiting trial.
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