It is deeply concerning that, barely halfway through winter, we have already witnessed a tragic loss of life due to devastating wildfires.
The current cold weather necessitates that people find ways to stay warm, yet the underlying issues of desperation, lawlessness, and poverty are contributing to these deadly incidents.
Gauteng has been particularly affected, experiencing two horrific events in consecutive weeks.
Last week in Mayfair, Johannesburg, four young children tragically died when a fire swept through what neighbours described as a makeshift crèche within a hijacked building.
On Monday, tragedy struck again in Ekurhuleni, where six family members perished as fire engulfed their shack in the Marikana informal settlement.
Yesterday, in Phoenix, Durban, a man died and a woman, believed to be his wife, sustained severe injuries during a house fire incident.
Statistics South Africa reported in 2023 that approximately 4 to 5 million people, representing about 12.2% of our nation's population, reside in informal settlements.
Tragically, these areas are particularly vulnerable to deadly fires during this season.
According to the IRIS-Fire Project, an estimated ten shack fires occur daily across the country, often resulting in fatalities and leaving thousands homeless. These fires pose a grave threat to the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable communities.
In the Mayfair incident, residents have identified overcrowding in the area, illicit electricity connections, alleged drug trafficking, and the occupation of hijacked properties as potential contributing factors.
Residents of informal dwellings often rely on paraffin-based heaters and stoves, or open flames for cooking and warmth, highlighting the difficult conditions they face.
While our struggling economy and the pervasive issue of corruption hinder immediate, large-scale solutions for providing proper housing and a better life for all, we must take immediate steps to prevent further loss of life.
For now, we urgently appeal to everyone to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from fire hazards:
* Never leave young children unsupervised near heaters or open flames.
* Always turn off heaters and gas stoves before going to sleep.
* Consider safer alternatives like hot water bottles to stay warm during the night, minimising risks to families.
Stay safe, South Africa.