Philippi Shack Fire: Department rendering assistance & support to family

A team of social workers from the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has visited the remaining family members of a Philippi family, where 6 members died in a fire.

The fire destroyed a shack on the family’s property and claimed the lives of six inhabitants in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The deceased were two adults Lukhangele Makhanda, 35, and  Nosimanye Masitha, 35, and their four children - Sinovuyo, 9, Sisipho, 6, Yamkela, 4, and Isivile Masitha, 2.

Social workers will render psycho-social support and other assistance to the remaining family and neighbours who witnessed this tragedy, and were left deeply traumatized by the incident. Our Metro South regional office will conduct trauma and bereavement counselling.

The DSD Social Relief of Distress programme will also assess whether any further support, such as food, clothing and a temporary grant, is needed to assist the family through this tough time.