PICS | Du Noon fire leaves thousands homeless as aid groups mobilise

A massive fire tore through the Du Noon informal settlement in Cape Town, leaving more than 5 500 people homeless and destroying over 1 000 dwellings in what has been described as one of the Western Cape’s worst informal settlement fires in more than a decade. The blaze, fuelled by strong winds, reduced large sections of the settlement to ashes, with residents returning from work watching helplessly as their homes and belongings were engulfed by flames. Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman said the scale of the destruction was comparable to the devastating Khayelitsha fire of 2013.

“Residents returning from an honest day of hard work shrieked in disbelief, sobbing, heartbroken as they watched their life possessions disintegrate in front of their very eyes,” said Sooliman. Firefighters, disaster management teams, SAPS, emergency services and helicopter pilots worked through dangerous conditions as aerial water bombing and ground operations attempted to contain the inferno. Despite their efforts, the fire spread rapidly, razing vast sections of the settlement.

Sooliman paid tribute to emergency responders, describing them as “committed public servants” who served with distinction under extreme pressure. Gift of the Givers teams were deployed immediately as the fire broke out, providing water, energy drinks, food and support to exhausted firefighters and displaced residents. “This morning breakfast was provided to 3 500 individuals, with lunch and supper earmarked for today and the days ahead,” said Sooliman.

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Thousands of residents are now displaced, many having lost everything. Aid organisations have appealed for urgent assistance to support families left without shelter, clothing or basic necessities. Gift of the Givers has called on government, businesses and the public to assist with rebuilding efforts and humanitarian relief. Needed items include building materials, clothing, bedding, non-perishable food, hygiene packs, school uniforms, stationery, diapers and sanitary pads.

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