Pmb informal settlement fire victims battle freezing cold

Over 600 individuals are struggling to survive the freezing winter temperatures at the Jika Joe informal settlement in Pietermaritzburg following a fire that destroyed their homes this weekend. Many victims are left without shelter, food, or basic necessities, relying on aid from Non-Governmental Organisations while attempting to rebuild their lives.

One mother of eight, Thabile Luthuli, is most worried about keeping her children safe and warm. "I was asleep with my child during the day and my neighbour came rushing to tell me to get out quickly as shacks were burning. I didn't hesitate, as the fire was so close," she explained. The residents are relying on salvaged corrugated iron to rebuild their structures, as they await government assistance.

Another resident, Mbali Phungula, who is eight months pregnant, is finding it difficult to cope with the harsh conditions. She is unwell but still needs to find ways to keep her three children warm, often staying up all night as she has no shelter. She expressed her pain and the need to seek medical attention. The extended weather forecast for Thursday and Friday, 13-14 August 2026, indicates fine and warm weather in some western areas, but generally cold to cool conditions with isolated showers and rain in the extreme east, along with drizzle along the north-eastern escarpment.