By Anita Dangazele
A fire broke out in the informal settlement of Nomakanjani in Motherwell township in Gqeberha while many residents were still at work on Thursday afternoon.
However, a Facebook post asking residents to donate clothes and food to fire victims in Nomakanjani has left the community divided.
Many people who live in the settlement came home to nothing but ashes. Even though no injuries or fatalities were reported, cash, documents, clothing, and furniture were lost to the fire that engulfed 20 shacks.
But Nomakanjani squatter camp is infamous for violent protests, which have seen trucks and other vehicles being looted and burned down by protesters. Many people are calling the tragedy that befell the shack dwellers karma.
Black Ka Madikane, whose vehicle was burnt during a service delivery protest by Nomakanjani residents when he was on his way to a nearby town, called these residents cruel and undeserving of any assistance.
“I told them I wasn’t staying in Motherwell and therefore I couldn’t have known that there would be a protest that morning. They wouldn’t listen to me. A tall guy proceeded to pour petrol on the driver’s side of the car.
“I pleaded with them to let me go. As I got out of the car a lady slapped me so hard I couldn’t even hear properly. They burnt my car,” he said.
Resident Babalwa Mbha, who started the initiative to collect donations for the fire victims, pleaded with residents of Nelson Mandela Bay to let bygones be bygones for the sake of those who are now left homeless.
“Now is not the time to let the anger of the past control us. These people have lost their homes. Let us know Ubuntu as Christmas draws closer, let us open our hearts,” she said.
While some have started donating, many are reluctant, as they say Nomakanjani residents have never shown any remorse for attacking and burning people’s vehicles.
“Their issue is with the municipality, not passers-by or motorists. I have no sympathy for them,” said one resident.
The cause of the fire is not yet known. Gqeberha police have opened an inquest docket.
Pictured above: The fire in the Nomakanjani informal settlement
Image source: Supplied
