The construction of a temporary residential unit as a family prepare for the funeral of a victim of a ravaging runaway veldfire in Eshowe.
Statement by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma
10 July 2024
Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House: On behalf of all categories of staff, we wish to express our deepest condolences to the Gazu family following the untimely death of a family member, Mr Muntukabongwa Gazu (67).
Based on the report presented by the roving team I assigned to visit and profile families, Gazu sustained severe burn injuries after the family’s five mud houses were reduced to ashes by runaway fires in Ezinyosini – Ward 1 Umlalazi Local Municipality.
Another family member, Mr Japhet Gazu is currently in the hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery.
The roving team from Human Settlements, led by HoD Mdu Zungu, is speeding up the building of a temporary residential unit to enable the family to mourn and burry their loved one with dignity.
We must hasten to point out that the profiling of affected families is continuing to ensure that accurate information is submitted to the Emergency Housing Unit located in the national Department of Human Settlements. We do not want affected families to be left behind.
Critically, we agree with the Minister of Human Settlements Mammaloko Kubayi who suggested that alternative building technology must be introduced to ensure that fire or flood resistant houses are constructed for the vulnerable members of society.
Tomorrow, 11 July 2024, I will visit the Gazu family and other families in the following local municipalities:-
1. UMlalazi Local Municipality;
2. Nkandla Local Municipality;
3. Mthonjaneni Local Municipality.
We will communicate to the media and the public at large, the times and other details for the visit.
We wish to express our deepest appreciation to Gagasi fm management for offering to partner with the department as we bring much needed relief to the families during this hour of need.