On November 22 of last year, representatives of WeLoveU in South Africa
met with the Western Cape Department of Social Development to discuss
how to support victims of the Dunoon fires.
Representatives from the affected community, along with displaced residents,
also attended the meeting to share their concerns and most urgent needs.

Fire-Damaged Home

“There have been three fires in our community over the past two months.
Only a few residents received basic materials to rebuild their homes.”

Zukiswa Kobe, Representative of the Affected Community

“The only food aid given to fire victims was cooked meals
that were provided for three days following the incident.
Because they were perishable, they had to be consumed immediately.
What’s truly needed is non-perishable food
—uncooked items that can be stored and eaten over time.”

Mkhuseli Luvalo, Communication Development Worker,Department of Social Development

“The situation is very difficult, so any assistance—food, construction
materials, household supplies—would be a tremendous help.”

A Fire Victim

Following the meeting, WeLoveU representatives visited the fire-damaged
area. The settlement, where homes are roughly assembled from tin sheets
and wooden boards, had been devastated by fire. Those who lost their homes
were staying with relatives or neighbors, and their most immediate need was food.

In response, WeLoveU quickly assembled food packages
containing rice, maize meal, canned goods, sauces,
and other essentials that could be stored and used as needed.

On February 3, WeLoveU distributed these food packages
to 64 families at the Old Taxi Rank in Dunoon Site 5.

The distribution ceremony was attended by key government leaders,
including Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt
and Acting Councillor Thando Dedezane of Cape Town’s Ward 104.
Both expressed deep appreciation for WeLoveU’s support
and joined volunteers in handing out the relief packages.
They also offered messages of encouragement and pledged to continue
working to prevent disasters and provide further assistance.

Baek Eun-seon, Head of the WeLoveU Cape Town Branch,
shared, “We hope this small gesture can bring a bit of hope
to those facing hardship from this unexpected disaster.”

With bright smiles, the disaster survivors received their food boxes
and said, “Thank you for remembering us and not leaving us behind.”

Jaco Londt, Western Cape Minister of Social Development

“The Western Cape Government collaborates with various organizations to respond swiftly to disasters. We are grateful to international partners and local allies like WeLoveU whose support enables fire victims to overcome hardship. Thank you sincerely for being here today. I look forward to strengthening this partnership. Efforts like this bring real hope to those rebuilding their lives.”

Jaco Londt, Western Cape Minister of Social Development

Franzu Badenhorst, Manager Community Development: Social Relief, Western Cape Government

“It’s an honor to partner with the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation. These boxes behind me contain not only food but also the heartfelt care of WeLoveU members. This is an act of love. As families gather to share these meals, they will feel that love. Thank you again, WeLoveU. We truly love you.”

Franzu Badenhorst, Manager Community Development: Social Relief, Western Cape Government

Thando Dedezane, Acting Councillor of Cape Town’s Ward 104

“There was a fire in August last year, and again in November. In fact, there have been multiple fires in this area. Most families here are unemployed and have very little. We’re deeply grateful to the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation for remembering our community and coming to say, ‘We are here to help you get back on your feet.’ That message alone brings tremendous hope. Please continue supporting other affected areas as well.”

Thando Dedezane, Acting Councillor of Cape Town’s Ward 104

Mthetheleli Mandla, a Fire Victim

“I’m so grateful for this support. The fire was unexpected and destroyed everything. I had planned to return to my hometown, but now I have to start over from nothing. WeLoveU’s help means so much, especially for parents. Thanks to your support, children can come home from school and enjoy a warm meal. Thank you again.”

Mthetheleli Mandla, a Fire Victim

Although unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts,
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde expressed his appreciation via email.
He later invited WeLoveU representatives to the provincial government office
to personally thank them for their support of fire-affected communities.

WeLoveU remains committed to standing with neighbors in need,
offering compassion and practical help to those affected by disaster.
WeLoveU hopes that daily life will soon be restored for the residents of Dunoon.