Humanitarian aid organisation Gift of the Givers has announced it remains on standby to respond to emergencies as severe weather batters parts of the Western Cape. This follows a Level 4 weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service, predicting disruptive rainfall across Cape Town, the West Coast, and Garden Route regions this weekend.
Adding to the crisis, disaster response teams have been deployed to the Silverton Informal Settlement in Khayelitsha and Thembalethu in George, where an early morning fire destroyed multiple structures, leaving many homeless.
Preparing for the Worst
Gift of the Givers Project Manager Ali Sabé revealed that teams have been active in informal settlements for the past week, anticipating the harsh winter conditions.
“Residents in informal settlements use paraffin stoves and open fires to keep warm, which often leads to devastating fires between 3 and 5 AM,” Sabé explained. “Now, with heavy rains and flooding, these communities face a double blow—losing their homes to fires and then being exposed to freezing, wet conditions.”
Repeated Disasters, Little Progress
Sabé expressed frustration over the lack of long-term solutions for flood- and fire-prone settlements, noting that many residents were promised relocation after last year’s catastrophic floods but remain in vulnerable conditions.
“It’s a replay of last year’s devastation,” he said. “Despite warnings since January, there has been no significant movement to safer housing. Now, informal settlements like Khayelitsha, Dunoon, and others are flooding again, with families desperately pleading for help.”
Collaboration with Disaster Teams
While Gift of the Givers works closely with provincial and local disaster management teams to distribute aid efficiently, Sabé highlighted challenges such as inaccessible roads and overwhelming demand.
“We’re receiving calls from elderly residents and families sending children to relatives in safer areas, fearing injury or worse,” he said.
Public Appeal for Support
With winter worsening, the organisation has called for urgent donations of blankets, mattresses, and building materials. Those wishing to assist can contact Gift of the Givers’ toll-free number: 0800 786 911.
As heavy rains continue, the situation remains critical, with fears that further flooding could compound the suffering of already struggling communities.