The Fire Took Their Homes.
It Won't Take Their Hope.
Jika Joe, Pietermaritzburg
The Jika Joe informal settlement sits in the heart of the Msunduzi Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. On Saturday afternoon, 8 August, a fire swept through the settlement, destroying more than 700 households. Local disaster management teams are still on the ground as assessments continue.
It Started At Half Past Two On A Saturday.
By the time the flames were finally beaten back — around four hours later — more than 700 households were gone. Homes, documents, school uniforms, blankets, the photographs on the wall. More than 1 000 people stood in the smoke with only what they were wearing.
CityHope Disaster Relief was alongside the Jika Joe community in the immediate aftermath — serving hot tea and meals, distributing sanitary products and blankets, and bringing practical care and support to families who have lost so much.
For those who have lost their homes, the days ahead will be incredibly difficult. Rebuilding a life takes more than one warm meal — it takes food, hygiene supplies, blankets, mattresses, household essentials and people who keep showing up. That is what we intend to do, and with your help, we can.
What Families Need Now
When a fire moves through an informal settlement, it takes everything at once: shelter, food, warmth, documents, dignity. The families of Jika Joe are starting again from nothing — in the middle of a KZN winter.
These are the immediate needs as families begin to rebuild their lives:
On The Ground From The Start
Hot Tea & Meals
Serving hot tea and warm meals to displaced families in the immediate aftermath — practical comfort when it matters most.
Sanitary Products
Distributing sanitary and hygiene products to women and families who lost everything in the fire.
Blankets & Warmth
Getting blankets into the hands of families facing cold nights without shelter, in the middle of winter.
Practical Care & Support
Standing alongside families who have lost so much — with presence, practical help and hope for the days ahead.
A United Network
Working alongside local disaster management teams, churches and community partners in the Msunduzi Municipality to ensure aid reaches those who need it most — quickly, accountably and with hope.
Moments From The Response
For Africans Devastated By Disaster, We Get Aid To The Most Vulnerable — Fastest.
CityHope Disaster Relief is a faith-motivated humanitarian organisation working through a trusted, vetted network of churches, businesses and community partners. Every response is reported transparently, so you can give with confidence.
How You Can Help
They Lost Everything. Don't Let Them Face It Alone.
More than 1 000 people are beginning again from nothing. Your gift keeps food, blankets, hygiene supplies and practical care flowing to the families of Jika Joe as they rebuild their lives.
Donate Now