A fierce fire ripped through the Westlake informal settlement in Cape Town late Thursday night, leaving many families without homes or basic necessities.
The blaze broke out around 11:20pm, and while firefighters responded quickly, the flames destroyed between 12 and 20 shacks, displacing numerous residents in the community.
Urgent Call for Help
Ward 71 Councillor Carolynne Franklin confirmed the scale of the destruction and urged the public to step in to support those affected.
“These families now have nothing – no clothes, no food, no shelter.
They need our help now more than ever,” she said.
What Families Need
Residents are appealing for essential donations to help families rebuild their lives. Needed items include:
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Clothing and blankets for adults and children
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Non-perishable food: tins, rice, pasta, maize meal, cooking oil, long-life milk
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Basic groceries: potatoes, onions, tomatoes, salt, stock cubes
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Protein sources: peanut butter, jam, frozen chicken
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Fresh bread and bottled water
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Toiletries and baby items: nappies, formula, wet wipes for toddlers
Where to Donate
Donations can be dropped off or contributed at the following locations:
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Drop-off location: 14 Myrtle Road, Tokai (contact Cessi at 082 900 1832 before arriving)
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Retail collection point: Pick n Pay, Steenberg Village (donations trolley available in-store)
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Financial donations: Managed by Tokai Neighbourhood Crime Watch (TNCW) via SnapScan link
A Call for Solidarity
Franklin emphasised the power of community support during this crisis.
“Any help, big or small, will go directly to families affected by the fire. Thank you for standing with the Westlake community in this urgent time.”
