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Fire destroys shacks in Imizamo Yethu informal settlement

Published

Firefighters contained the blaze in the Mayitshe Informal settlement in Hout Bay hours after they arrived. It is the second fire in the settlement since February, and Gift of the Givers has started a humanitarian response.

The fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday and forced residents out of their beds. Linda Matshaya, a resident whose shacks were affected, is among those hit by the loss.

Some residents blame an electrical fault in one of the shacks. This cause is their claim and has not been confirmed.

Gift of the Givers is giving hot meals and bottled water to the fire victims.

Key facts

Who
Linda Matshaya (resident of Mayitshe Informal settlement whose shacks were affected); Gift of the Givers (humanitarian organisation providing hot meals and bottled water to fire victims)
What
A fire in the Mayitshe Informal settlement in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay, destroyed shacks early on Sunday; firefighters contained it hours after arriving. Some residents blame an electrical fault in one shack, and Gift of the Givers has activated a humanitarian response.
When
11 October 2026
Where
Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Status
Reported

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