This past Saturday, 20 October, saw two devastating fires consume the homes of thousands of people in Silver Town, Khayelitsha and Kosovo, Philippi. Besides their homes, these individuals lost all their possessions, from clothes to school books and food. Since October and November see learners and students across the country writing exams, we can only imagine how difficult it is for those affected to continue with their studies.
As a university we do not exist in isolation from the communities surrounding us – they are an extension of our university community. We will therefore be making a number of sites at the university available as drop-off points should you wish to donate any items, no matter how small.
Properties & Services has set up various collection points around UCT, and for convenience, we have set up collection boxes in the reception of the ICTS on Main building. These collection points will be open until Friday, 26th October 2018, during working hours.
Once complete, we will arrange to take the ICTS collection to P&S, who will then deliver the goods to the Khayelitsha fire station for distribution to those in need.
What to donate
The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management team has identified the following as critical items to assist those affected by the fires:
- clothing
- school stationery
- non-perishable foods
Financial donations
If you or members of your family and friends would like to make a financial donation towards relief efforts, please do so via the following bank account:
- Bank: Standard Bank
- Account name: Gift of the Givers Foundation
- Account number: 052137228
- Branch: Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Branch code: 057525
- Swift code: SBZAZAJJ
- Reference: Khayelitsha Fire / Fire disaster
Thank you in advance to everyone for their contributions. We know that it is not always possible for some to donate, but simply keeping the affected families in your thoughts is valuable and appreciated.