According to the organisation, it takes less than two minutes for a single shack to be completely engulfed by flames – and this, from a simple fallen candle or paraffin lamp. Year-on-year raging shack fires consume countless homes and destroy lives. The last five years have seen an average of 10 shack fires a day rage throughout South Africa, with someone dying in a shack fire every other day.
Since launching in July 2015, the Khusela Ikhaya Project has not only painted in excess of 1000 structures across the Western Cape, but added education platforms, social upliftment programs, a feeding platform and sports development to their focus.
In the build-up to its Mandela Day event on Saturday, 16 July this year, the Khusela Ikhaya Project will be working hand in hand with another local NPO, Ikhayalami, and the residents of Khayelitsha (site C), represented by Sikonanathi ('We are here').
“Together with our current partners and sponsors (Cell C, JAM S.A., MPACT and Transception), volunteers and residents, we will be pledging our time by painting close to 100 homes in Khayelitsha with fire-retardant paint, establishing feeding platforms in local ECDs, and handing out shoes, educational books and food parcels on the day,” says Ashley Stemmett, communications director for the Khusela Ikhaya Project.
The Khusela Ikhaya Project holds regular painting events in informal settlements across the country. These events are open to visiting volunteers from abroad, local volunteer groups, students and corporates wishing to give back and use its platform for social responsibility or team-building.
“By protectively painting the home of someone living in an informal settlement, where fires are prevalent, volunteers will make a visible and lasting difference,” says Justin Zietsman, executive director of the Khusela Ikhaya Project.
“Our vision is not only to prevent rapid-spreading shack fires, but to shift the negative perceptions of townships through the use of colour, education and social interaction. Should you or your company wish to add to these efforts and be part of our #EveryDayIsMandelaDay events, we will gladly bring you onboard,” says Zietsman.
For more info, go to www.khuselaikhaya.org.
