Effingham, KwaZulu-Natal – A devastating fire tore through a local informal settlement in Effingham on Sunday night, claiming the life of one person and leaving several families homeless.
The blaze erupted suddenly, engulfing a total of 22 shacks in a matter of minutes. Residents scrambled to escape the flames, but unfortunately, one individual did not survive the inferno. The victim has been identified as 29-year-old Ayanda Ziqethu from Port St. Johns in the Eastern Cape. Ziqethu was reportedly burnt beyond recognition in the fire.
According to emergency services, the fire was reported just after 9 p.m. Despite the rapid response from firefighting teams, the flames had already spread widely due to the close proximity of the structures and the flammable materials used in their construction. By the time the fire was brought under control, 22 homes had been reduced to ashes.
Residents described scenes of panic and heartbreak as families attempted to salvage belongings and protect their loved ones. Many had to flee with only the clothes on their backs. Children were seen crying, and some residents sustained minor injuries while trying to escape or help others.
Emergency personnel remained on the scene well into the early hours of Monday morning, conducting search and recovery efforts while offering support to those affected. The eThekwini Municipality’s disaster management teams were also deployed to provide immediate assistance, including temporary shelter, food parcels, and basic necessities for the displaced families.
Police have opened an inquest docket to determine the exact cause of the fire. While the origin of the blaze has not yet been confirmed, preliminary reports suggest that a cooking fire or faulty electrical connection may have been involved, a common risk in many densely populated informal settlements.
Community members have expressed their grief and frustration over the loss of life and property. Many are calling for more support from local authorities to improve safety in the area and prevent similar tragedies in the future. Some residents have demanded better access to fire hydrants, improved housing infrastructure, and fire education programs to reduce the risk of such disasters.
Ziqethu’s family is reportedly devastated by the loss. A relative who asked not to be named said that Ayanda had moved to Effingham in search of better opportunities and had dreams of building a better future. “He was kind, hardworking, and always willing to help. This is a terrible loss for all of us,” the family member said.
As the community begins the difficult process of rebuilding, local charities and relief organizations have called for donations of food, clothing, blankets, and building materials. Anyone willing to assist is encouraged to reach out to local aid groups or the municipality’s disaster relief team.
This tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges faced by residents in informal settlements across South Africa, where poverty, overcrowding, and a lack of basic infrastructure often put lives at risk. For many in Effingham, the road to recovery will be long and difficult — but the hope remains that change and support will follow in the wake of this heartbreaking loss.