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The Western Cape MEC of Social Development, Adv. Albert Fritz, has expressed his condolences to an Elsiesrivier family that was affected by a fire in the early hours of Monday morning.

The fire destroyed the home of a family of four (father, mother and two children), and claimed the life of one adult (mother). The other adult is in a critical condition in hospital. The two children were unhurt.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) is rendering psycho-social support and other assistance to the family. In line with the Children’s Act of 2005, social workers from our Elsiesrivier local office have intervened to ensure the safety of the two children, who have been placed in the care of a close family relative.

Social Workers will render ongoing trauma and bereavement counselling to the children. They have also applied for the Social relief of Distress temporary grant, to assist the family during this tough time.

Issued by Department of Social Development Western Cape