The Ekurhuleni metro has built nine new shacks for the Joe Slovo fire victims who lost everything in the fire that reduced their shacks to ashes on June 2.
The fire broke out just after 8.30pm.
For two months more than 25 people, including young children were left out in the cold with nowhere else to go.
At the end of July the metro came to their rescue by donating nine one-roomed shacks to assist them in rebuilding their lives.
The families told the Advertiser on August 27 that they are still trying to make ends meet, but things are better than before because they now have shelter.
One of the affected people, Rachel van Rooyen, said: “After the Advertiser published our story in the newspaper in July we received help from people who live in Reiger Park and Joe Slovo.
“We received blankets and clothes. We also received calls from people who wanted to donate, but they never came. We now survive from handouts from generous people.”
Desiree van Rooyen, Rachel’s daughter, said she still has flashbacks from the night of the fire.
“I am grateful that my family and I came out alive. Our challenge at the moment is buying school uniforms for our children since it was burnt.
“We would like to request the public to assist us with school uniforms for my sister-in-law’s children and mine who go to Reiger Park Primary School, Goedehoop Primary School and Reiger Park Secondary School,” Desiree said.
To assist the families contact Rachel van Rooyen on 079 395 5897.
