Joe Slovo fire

AWS SA jumps into action to render emergency relief to distressed pets and destitute people

On Saturday, 16 April a devastating fire swept through Joe Slovo informal settlement in Langa, Cape Town. By the time the inferno was extinguished at least 300 homes had been razed to the ground leaving an estimated 1 200 residents homeless and many pets burnt, injured, traumatised and displaced.

We jumped into action as soon as it was safe for us to enter the affected area and spent several hours carefully combing the area for any animals in distress.

Whilst busy with our search we were approached by a distraught resident named Rasta who related how he had grabbed his dog – who he described as his most treasured possession – and fled to safety just before his house burst into flames. When he spoke about his loss all that seemed to matter to him was his animals and he welled up with tears as he explained seeing some of his pigeons, who refused to abandon their nests, perish in the blaze.

Thankfully our rescue efforts were not in vain and our team returned with two dogs – both surrendered by their owners who explained that it would take a miracle before they were back in a position to be able to take proper care of them.