​This morning I joined representatives from the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre in a meeting with Mr Patrick Abrahams – the owner of the Mitchells Plain residence destroyed by a fire on Saturday 11 June 2016. Also present were local religious representatives and the Western Cape Department of Social Development.

While the investigation into the tragedy continues, the various agencies have, with the assistance of Mr Abrahams, drafted a plan for assisting with trauma counselling, social and other relief, as well as funeral arrangements.

On site, the South African Police Service and local neighbourhood watch organisation are patrolling the scene.

The City’s Solid Waste Management Department has started clearing the rubble.

Mr Abrahams’ home is privately owned. The neighbour’s home which was also affected by the fire is City rental stock and the matter has been handed over to the City’s Human Settlements Directorate to effect repairs. This will start when the property has been declared safe, but interim repairs will get under way to prevent further weather-related damage.

We are also facilitating assistance for backyarder tenants displaced by the fire, while Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and the Mustadafin Foundation are arranging donations for the survivors including clothing, mattresses, food and vanity packs.

Members of the public wishing to make donations to the affected residents can drop these off at their nearest fire station. DRM has also arranged with the Department of Home Affairs to assist with the replacement of identity documents, while the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will assist in replacing social grant cards. SASSA is also assisting with once-off financial assistance for affected households. DRM will liaise with the Health Department about assistance with medical bills for the survivors of the fire.

One of the victims, 14-year-old Arafat Madat, has been buried in accordance with Muslim rites. Funeral arrangements for the rest of the victims are still being finalised, but the costs for the burial of those younger than 18 will be supported by the Mayor’s discretionary fund.

The Western Cape Government Department of Social Development will cover funeral costs for victims over the age of 18. Both the Department of Social Development and the South African Police Service have started providing victim support services and trauma counselling, including to neighbours of the victims.

A memorial service is being held today at 14:00 at Imperial Primary School in Eastridge, while DRM is arranging logistics for a second memorial service at 14:00 on Thursday 16 June 2016.