Masikhathalelaneni Launches Fireball Outreach Project

Masikhathalelaneni, founded by Freddie van Rooyen in 2017, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting communities in the Sarah Baartman District affected by fires, floods, and other disasters. The organisation regularly provides food, clothing, and shelter to those impacted by devastating informal settlement fires.

On Tuesday, 16th July 2024, Masikhathalelaneni launched its Fire Ball Outreach Project, aimed at empowering the community with the tools and skills needed to effectively combat fires. Freddie introduced the Fire Ball, a small, ball-shaped device containing lithium that extinguishes fires when exposed to open flames. The device releases a powerful but safe detonation of powder that neutralises the fire at its core.

The Amandla Omoya Trust, a long-term partner of Masikhathalelaneni, sponsored the first 30 Fire Balls to kick-start the project and has committed to providing additional Fire Balls as the initiative expands.

The Executive Mayor of the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Councillor Deon De Vos, attended the launch and commended Freddie and his team for their dedicated efforts. He remarked, “Trustworthy people attract investment and sponsorship. We should focus on preventing disasters by identifying hotspots in informal settlements and training people to operate fire extinguishing equipment.” Mayor De Vos concluded by stating, “One life lost is one life too many,” referencing a recent fire that tragically claimed a life.

It was announced that the NPO will facilitate local Fire Extinguishing Educational Training to community members by November this year. This will include the effective distribution and use of the “Fire Ball” Extinguishers and prepare the community to combat fires often caused by illegal electrical connections.

For more information about the Masikhathalelaneni Fire Ball Extinguisher Outreach Project you are welcome to contact Freddie van Rooyen on 071 825 4840.