The Msunduzi Association of Residents, Ratepayers and Civics has appealed to the public for donations of food, clothing and blankets to support families affected by the devastating fire at the Jika Joe Informal Settlement in Pietermaritzburg.
The appeal comes as community members continue to rally behind residents who lost their homes and possessions in the blaze, which occurred more than a week ago.
The fire destroyed 420 households and claimed the lives of two people, leaving hundreds of residents in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
Association representative Anthony Waldhausen said community leaders from the settlement approached the organisation for help in the aftermath of the disaster.
"We are still looking mostly for food, as well as clothing and blankets for the residents at Jika Joe. We have managed to secure school uniforms for 29 children, but we still need stationery and food for the learners. Many of them now have to travel to different schools from Jika Joe, with some even walking long distances to attend classes," Waldhausen said.
The association has urged members of the public, businesses and organisations to assist with donations as affected families work to rebuild their lives following the tragedy.