02 May 2023

Media Advisory 

Following the devastating fire disaster that left about 1 000 people displaced and homeless, the Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu will, on Wednesday, 03 May 2023 visit Dakota Informal Settlement in Isipingo, KwaZulu-Natal to deliver Social Relief of Distress (SRD) as part of measures to assist the affected individuals and families to rebuild their lives.

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Saturday, 15 April destroyed between 300-400 informal settlements. Affected individuals and families were moved to a local community hall for temporary shelter.

Social Relief of Distress is temporary provision of assistance intended for persons in such a dire material need that they are unable to meet their families’ most basic needs. The assistance may be in the form of a food parcel, voucher to buy food or in the form of cash.

Minister Zulu will be joined by local community leadership and SASSA’s KZN Regional Manager, Ms Thamo Mzobe to assess relief efforts currently underway in the area.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover Minister’s oversight visits planned as follows:  

Date: Wednesday, 03 May 2023

Venue: Dakota Informal Settlement Ward 90 (Isipingo)

Time: 08h00 am-10h00

Media can RSVP by contacting Ms Sharlene Naiker on 082 673 5849 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / Ms Sandy Godlwana on 082 678 5634/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Mr Jaconia Kobue on 063 249 5120/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.    

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.