Birthday bash for fire victims

Families from the Egoli Informal Settlement who lost their belongings in a devastating fire recently, received a surprise party hosted by community worker Beryl Williams. 

The annual birthday bash hosted by the popular activist known as Aunty Girly was held on Thursday as she celebrated her 59th birthday. 

Each year Williams and her helpers cook up a storm and pack various treats for children living in underprivileged communities. 

Two weeks ago, a devastating blaze ripped through the Egoli Informal Settlement leaving over 100 mense homeless. 

Along with community worker Keith Blake, they rushed to the aid of those affected and secretly planned the surprise party. 

Aunty Baby says: "Every year I share my birthday with the children of Phumlani Village.

"Instead of taking presents, I take donations towards cooking a lekker meal and making up treats for children wo never really get the chance to have a party of their own.

"This year I was left heartbroken when arriving in Egoli and I decided we must move the party.

"Pick n Pay in Constantia and Blue Ribbon came out to show their support with food donations and I made them a lekker lunch which was lamb curry and rice and put together party packets for the children." 

Williams says the community got a pleasant skrik when they arrived with the impromptu party. 

He adds: "The faces of the children lit up when we arrived and surprised them.

"The families are struggling to rebuild and many are still sleeping outside as they use burnt pieces of metal just to put a roof over their heads.

"They have lost everything and were so humble and happy. I hoped the party would give them some relief where they could just smile and be children again. Its really hard for them because they can't even go to school."

Williams could even take the team to visit Phumlani Village and extend the birthday celebrations. 

Spreading the love, she adds: ‘Because of all the donations, we had so much that we could go to Phumlani and also have a bash there.

"The children all sang and danced. For many of us we look forward to our birthdays, but for many people in Cape Town a birthday party is something they can only dream of.

"I hope that the community of Egoli will get more assistance in rebuilding what they have lost."