Durban – A deadly fire swept through Effingham Informal Settlement in eThekwini, destroying at least 22 homes and killing one person.
The dead person, who was burnt beyond recognition, has been named as a 29-year-old originally from Port St. Johns, Eastern Cape.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim of the fire that broke out in Effingham Informal Settlements last night,” KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said Monday, (19 May 2025).
“I have sent a team from my office to meet with the family member and to express our deepest condolences.
“I am in liaison with Provincial Commissioner Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to ensure that he sends his forensic team to remove the remains of the victim.”
MEC Duma added: “I have interacted with the National Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane and the Mayor of eThekwini Cllr Cyril Xaba in order to accelerate our interventions.
“Importantly, I am also scheduling a visit to the area to be on the side of communities in distress. They remain our priority.”
The MEC said at this stage, the cause of the fire was unknown.
“We will be getting a report from the eThekwini Mayor.
“Our highly dedicated roving team from the Department of Human Settlements, national and provincial, is working with eThekwini Disaster Teams.
“They are doing the profiling of households in order to guide our decisive intervention.”
MEC Duma said, according to a preliminary report, 22 shacks have been destroyed, resulting in the displacement of 21 to 28 individual members of families.
“Once the roving team has finalised the verification process of households, we will be seized with the acceleration of interventions,” said MEC Duma.
“We commend the minister for her swift response, especially when we are faced with disasters requiring emergency houses and building materials.
“Working in an integrated fashion, we offer to do everything possible to ensure that the people of Effingham Informal Settlements rebuild their lives.”
