KAMEELDRIFT informal settlement residents are excited about the installation of smoke detectors.
The smoke detectors were installed by the Tshwane Emergency Services Department and the South African Red Cross Society on 4 September 2025, to reduce fire risks in the area.
The initiative was led by Tshwane deputy mayor Eugene Modise.
According to residents, the smoke detectors brought joy and hope ekasi.
Raphael Tloubatla (52) from the Plot 175 informal settlement in Kameeldrift described the initiative as a move in the right direction.
"It will help people when there is a fire. The good thing is even if there is no one in the shack, it alerts residents that there is a fire. This will help us a lot," he said.
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He said his products are safe in his spaza shop, thanks to the smoke detectors.
He said the detectors will wreak havoc for cigarette smokers because the alarm always goes off whenever there's smoke.
Kholofelo Molokwane (24) said the detectors are helpful as they use gas and paraffin stoves.
She further said they will also save kids in case of a fire inside a shack.
"On Monday, 15 September, a paraffin stove burst in one of the shacks, the smoke alarm was triggered off, and we rushed to extinguish the fire," she said.
Kholofelo said in 2024, many shacks were burnt down, and residents lost belongings.
She said the detectors might be a solution.
Tyment Mashegwane (52) said: "We are excited. These smoke detectors alert us if there is a fire. We are grateful."
Modise said: "The city has recorded an alarming increase of at least 1 100 structural fires in the past financial year, hence the drive to educate communities on measures to reduce fires.
"The Tshwane Emergency Services' priority mandate is to ensure the city's residents are provided with safety preparedness knowledge, reducing the risk of fire-related incidents and promoting a culture of safety within the communities.
"We further call on residents to be vigilant and to immediately report any fire or rescue incident by calling 107 toll-free or alternatively 012 358 6300/6400," he said.
