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