Marikana shack fire claiming six highlights need for safety education in informal settlements
UASA calls on the government to fund safety initiatives and education to protect residents of informal settlements against the devastating terror of shack fires without delay.
UASA is deeply saddened by this morning's preventable loss of six family members, including toddlers, who perished in a devastating shack fire at the Marikana informal settlement in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
Only one family member, a young girl, survived the blaze. She escaped with critical burn injuries and is currently receiving medical care.
When emergency services arrived at the scene, the home of the seven family members had already been destroyed by the fire while they were trapped inside, sleeping. This tragedy has caused devastating distress for the surviving family members and the local community.
The cause of the fire is currently undetermined, raising concerns among residents. During the winter season, fires in residential areas, particularly in informal settlements, pose a persistent challenge that must be addressed promptly to prevent further loss of life.
Illegal electricity connections and flammable fuels for cooking and heating, such as gas and paraffin, are the main issues contributing to these devastating outcomes. Informal settlements are home to many, and the safety of our residents is essential.
UASA encourages everyone to be vigilant about fire dangers, educate adults and children on safety, and take necessary precautions.
Do not leave young children unsupervised.
Turn off heaters and gas stoves before turning in for the night.
Seek alternatives to keep warm without endangering families and loved ones.
We urge the government to assist with safety initiatives and education to protect our communities. To further address this challenge, UASA urges government to accelerate the provision of formal housing for South African citizens. Access to proper housing is a basic human right and a critical step toward reducing the risk of disasters such as shack fires.
By investing in permanent, secure housing with safe infrastructure, government can help ensure the dignity, safety and well-being of vulnerable communities while preventing future tragedies of this magnitude. Losing lives in such tragic, preventable ways should never become the norm. South Africans, especially young children, must be protected from harm.
Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
21 hours ago
- The South African
WIFE of Durban plane crash pilot pays emotional tribute
The wife of veteran South African pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray who was killed in a tragic plane crash off the coast of Durban on Thursday, has paid an emotional tribute. Blackwood-Murray, 61, was performing a display in his ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft as part of an airshow linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Summit 2025, hosted at Virginia Airport, when the plane crashed into the ocean just before 14:00. Emergency services and eyewitnesses quickly responded, with reports of the plane plunging into the sea near Suncoast Beach. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), eThekwini lifeguards, Police Search and Rescue, and other agencies launched a joint operation, which remains ongoing as at the time of publishing. 'The NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Surfski 6 will be deployed to assist in the ongoing search and provide a platform for Police and Metro divers conducting scuba operations,' said NSRI duty coxswain Lorenzo Taverna-Tunisan. Battery Beach and surrounding areas have been closed to the public as wreckage continues to wash ashore and search teams expand their efforts. Blackwood-Murray, well-known within aviation circles, was regarded as a world-class pilot and true gentleman. He was celebrated not just for his elite flying skills, but also for his warmth and mentorship within the aviation community. Kyla Blackwood-Murray took to Facebook on Saturday to pay tribute to her husband, writing: 'Yesterday I said goodbye to my most favourite boy in the whole wide world. 'It was the call I have been dreading my whole life. But I always said I would rather he go doing the things he loves the most. I just didn't realise he would have left so soon. 'He was my world. We did everything together and we had so many plans. We were going to grow old and be the most awesome geriatrics together. 'He has taken away the biggest piece of my soul and I don't know how I am going to live without my wingman. 'He brought me more joy than I ever imagined possible. He was always there for me helping me become the best version of myself. 'I am beyond heartbroken. Just to have one more day with him. If only. 'My baby may you soar the skies and visit all the amazing places you had on your bucket list. 'You rocked my world. You gave me meaning and purpose and I don't know how I am going to do life without you. 'Thank you for loving me completely. I am devastated. You will always be my person. Forever and always Andrew Blackwood-Murray.' 'Andrew, your spirit will forever soar in the skies you loved,' shared respected media personality and close friend, John Walland, who remembered him as 'a warm and passionate man whose skills touched so many lives.' Others reflected on his humility and approachability, regardless of how busy he was. 'Gonna miss you. A gentleman, an amazing pilot… He will certainly leave a gap in the airshow display calendar,' wrote Venessa Richardson. 'My heart bleeds, Andrew. You were such a gentleman. I'm glad I had the pleasure of sharing a classroom with you,' added Ryan Douwie. As the search continues, tributes to Andrew Blackwood-Murray serve as a reminder of the deep personal and professional impact he made throughout his life. His passion for flight, dedication to airshows, and mentorship of the next generation of pilots leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten. Authorities have asked the public to remain sensitive to the situation and to allow recovery teams the space and support needed as the operation progresses. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
eNCA
a day ago
- eNCA
Women retire with less money
JOHANNESBURG - It's women's month which is a time to lament that the pay gap that still exist and the unfair burden that falls on women to do unpaid work. And this brings it home again. South African women retired with 21% less than men according to a finding from Discovery Corporate and Employee benefits.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Upholding a family legacy in the police service
Colonel Logan Govender, who is seen with his daughter, Tes, retired in 2000. POST reporter, NADIA KHAN, shares the inspiring journey of a retired South African Police Service (SAPS) officer, Colonel Logan Govender, whose dedication and resilience have left an indelible mark on the community and the fight against crime. He is also featured in the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Gandhi-Luthuli Documentation Centre's website gallery entitled, South African Police Indian Veteran. The centre serves as both a living archive and a tribute to the Indian community's legacy in South Africa. Retired Colonel Logan Govender, 71, of Pietermaritzburg, said he was inspired by his father, Mariemuthu, who held the rank of sergeant in the SAPS. 'I wanted to follow my dad's footsteps. In his community, policemen were respected and seen as role-models. I also wanted to protect and serve our communities.' After matriculating at Woodlands High School, Govender pursued his studies at ML Sultan Technical College. 'I qualified as an electrician and secured an apprenticeship with the City of Pietermaritzburg. However, a close friend, who was a police officer, inspired me to quit my job and join the SAPS. He said it was a better career option. I was enlisted by the same friend to the Mountain Rise police station. 'I attended the SAPS Training College in Wentworth, and was nominated as the best shotist (small arm). I also pursue a national diploma in police administration, which I completed over a few years while working,' he said.
