Shacks burn as Ramaphosa addresses community
Several shacks caught fire in the Duduza informal settlement in
Tembisa, a short distance from where President Cyril Ramaphosa was addressing
the community on Friday.
Ramaphosa is in Tembisa for the launch of the African National Congress’ (ANC) Thuma Mina campaign.
Community members rushed to douse the fire as Ramaphosa and other senior ANC officials left the area.
It's unclear whether Ramaphosa was aware of the fire but smoke could be seen billowing from the nearby settlement.
Ekurhuleni’s MMC for Finance and Economic Development, Doctor Xhakaza, said the fire was apparently started by a paraffin stove.
"Unconfirmed reports suggest a primus stove was the cause of the fire. What we are glad to report is that our distater management team were able to respond on time to avert the spread of the fire. As you can see today is a windy day," said Xhakaza.
One of the shacks that burnt down was a tuck shop.
"We do have programs of relief to provide shelter. We are ready and on standby,” said Xhakaza.
No injuries have been reported.
#ThumaMina A shack has caught fire a few meters from where the President is addressing the people pic.twitter.com/9NM3SC3HOk
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) May 18, 2018
#ThumaMina Duduza The community says about 10 shacks have caught alight pic.twitter.com/ukYsiRyYAy
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) May 18, 2018
#ThumaMina The community trying to salvage what they can. Ramaphosa and the leadership of the ANC have left. pic.twitter.com/15vp4QVgYz
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) May 18, 2018