Maile visits Etwatwa family after deadly shack fire

Acting Gauteng Premier Lebogang Maile on Tuesday visited the family of five relatives who died in a shack fire at the Steve Biko Informal Settlement in Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni. Tragedy struck on Sunday evening. The visit was part of the provincial government’s effort to provide comfort and assess the immediate needs of the surviving family members.

Maile, who is serving as Acting Premier until Friday, was accompanied by the MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, the City of Ekurhuleni’s MMC for Community Safety, Cllr Sizakele Masuku, and the MMC for Developmental Planning and Real Estate, Ald Nomadlozi Nkosi.

The tragic fire, which broke out late on Sunday night, claimed the lives of two parents and their three children. The only surviving member, a 19 year old boy, managed to escape unharmed from his outside room situated a few meters from the main structure.

“On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family affected by this tragedy. We are deeply saddened by this loss and commit to ensuring that the deceased receive a dignified funeral,” said Acting Premier Maile.

Maile added that the surviving family member will be provided with temporary shelter while the City works to rebuild the family home. He is currently receiving trauma counselling and psychosocial support, and will be enrolled in a skills development programme facilitated by the Department of Social Development to help him rebuild his life and future.

Community members who gathered at the scene described the family as humble and hardworking. Many expressed sadness at the loss and said the tragedy had left the settlement in mourning.

The police have opened an inquest docket, and investigations into the cause of the fire continue. The province has urged residents of informal settlements to exercise caution with heating and cooking equipment as temperatures continue to drop.