WATCH | Zodwa Ngcobo’s kitchen brings hope after Jika Joe blaze
Zodwa Ngcobo, who regularly cares for children in the settlement while their parents are at work, has been cooking meals for displaced residents using whatever food she can source.
As residents of the Jika Joe informal settlement try to rebuild their lives after a devastating fire claimed two lives and injured three others, a community member has been praised for preparing meals for families who lost everything.
Zodwa Ngcobo, who regularly cares for children in the settlement while their parents are at work, has been cooking meals for displaced residents using whatever food she can source.
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Most of the people have no clothes, shoes or food. I have been preparing meals from my home. I normally cook for the community every Tuesday because many residents are unemployed and the children often go without food.
“We are appealing to anyone who can assist us with food and other items to help us continue feeding the community,” said Ngcobo.
The fire left hundreds displaced, with humanitarian organisations providing emergency relief.
Many other individuals and organisations have rallied to the aid of the displaced.
Local resident Shazia Mahomed Sulaiman, who has been co-ordinating donations of food, water, clothing, blankets and toiletries, said more assistance is urgently needed.
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“We are thankful to everyone who has helped so far, but the community is still in need of food. We are appealing for donations of food, building materials, sanitary items and clothing,” she said.
Meanwhile, the family of Slindile Mngadi, whose body was found in the rubble after the fire, said she had only been living at the settlement for four months after moving from Johannesburg in search of work.
Her niece, Aphiwe Ngema, said Mngadi was a mother of two from Estcourt and described her as a kind and loving person.
We are in shock. We heard from relatives in Pietermaritzburg what had happened and found out she had died. She came here this year looking for employment.
“This is a very difficult time for our family,” said Ngema.
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Those wishing to assist affected residents can contact Sulaiman on 064 786 7862.
