They have evacuated areas now since before 5am.
The above photo was taken at 7:30.
Gift of the Givers Responds to UCT Fire.
The explosion at the Rhodes Memorial restaurant was manageable, the fire seemed under control, then came a twist of fate and a huge wind took the fire to UCT destroying residences, library and important buildings even “jumping” across the N3.
Words of praise for the UCT Council who moved swiftly to take care of their students finding alternative accommodation for four thousand students, an amazing feat in a short space of time. The fire fighters have been incredible, an indomitable spirit to take on the headwinds and challenges head on. Our prayers for the four brave individuals hospitalised, the seventy on the mountain tonight and collectively the 160 and helicopter crews involved in this risky battle with the force of nature.
Gift of the Givers have been requested to provide three meals per day for the next seven days, a task we welcome with great joy, serving the future leaders of our nation. The cook was amazing, got his team together at short notice, purchased ingredients late Sunday afternoon, cleaned, cut, prepared and cooked chicken, mutton and vegetable akni to accommodate diverse dietary requirements as best we could. The volunteers came in their numbers to the Gift of the Givers office at 8pm to package the meals, whilst our medical teams emphasised social distancing (Covid-19 hasn’t gone anywhere), and even lent a hand at dishing out. Meals were delivered door to door at the various hotels. The requests for soap, toothpaste and personal hygiene items are overwhelming.
Gift of the Givers teams will visit all accommodation sites in the morning to assess needs first hand whilst volunteers will prepare meals at Old Mutual West Campus, 91 Jan Smuts Drive, Pinelands. The building has been generously offered to Gift of the Givers to collect all food and water items (no clothing required) and a kitchen to prepare the meals three times a day.
Items required include water, Poweraide, Energade, juices, cool drinks, biscuits, energy bars, muffins, tea, coffee, long life milk, sugar, rice, beans, oil, noodles, salt, spices, cereals, eggs, butter, jam, cheese and bread. Soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet rolls, sanitary pads and hand sanitiser are essential personal hygiene requests. Gift of the Givers will provide protective masks. The requirement for blankets, linen and towels is yet to be determined. Cash contributions will be used for the purchase of chicken, meat and fish. Deposit into Gift of the Givers, Standard Bank, Pietermaritzburg, Account number 052137228, Branch Code 057525, ref UCT Fire. For Section 18A tax benefit certificate send deposit slip to [email protected]. Details on the intervention call toll free 0800786911.
Massmart, Engen, TFG, Woolworths, Pick 'N Pay, Shoprite, Pioneer Foods and Coke have already offered assistance. Uber are willing to transport students and deliver meals. The spirit of ubuntu nationwide is exhilarating. Thank you South Africa.
gift of the givers to the rescue!
Also highly irritated by the UCT students who decided to party all night in their hotels…
Sounds hectic - stay safe Cape Towners!
