Buzzapp Master 
Residents received building material to rebuild their homes. Photo by Misheck Makora
THOUSANDS of residents from Nkandla informal settlement in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, whose homes were blown away by strong winds are about to return home.
This after they received building materials to allow them to rebuild their homes again. More than 1 000 homes were destroyed by strong winds on Thursday night, 4 July when residents were about to sleep.
Since then, some residents have been homeless or lived at relatives’ houses, while others have been living at BnBs and hotels around the kasi.
Residents have been receiving building material since Monday, 15 July.
Ward 99 Councillor Lonwabo Mqina said residents will finally go back to their homes after they were displaced from their normal lives. He said he has been handing out materials to residents since last week.
“On Friday, 19 July we handed out material to 113 people, on Saturday, 20 July, we handed material to 132 and so far, we have given material to 724 people. We have material for 1 000 people. We will complete handing over the material on Monday. We want to ensure people get back to their normal lives,” said Mqina.
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The councillor said with the support of the national government, they were able to secure accommodation for the homeless residents.
“Some of the people were living in various BnBs and hotels, while others lived at their relatives, friends and with neighbours. About 200 people have been living in BnBs around Samora, Kuilsriver, Eerstrivier and hotels. Some are still there, but now they have the material so they can back to their homes and rebuild their lives,” said Mqina.
One of the residents, Thandeka Pambaniso, who lived at a friend’s house, said: “We are happy to get material to rebuild our homes because it was not easy to live at other people’s houses. Yes, they will be okay at first, but people want their space as time goes on.”
Another resident, Bongiwe Govuza had nothing but praise for their councillor.
“Councillor Mqina has fought for us. We now have materials and he ensured we have roofs under our heads. We have been living at BnBs for weeks because of him,” said Bongiwe.
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