Uber reaches out to firefighters 

If you would like to help firefighters, however, online transportation company Uber South Africa is offering a way for the general public to help fight fires. 

On Friday, 6 January, #UberCOMMUNITY will send a driver partner to all do-gooders to pick up donations and deliver them directly to the Roeland Street Fire Station or Strand Fire Station — all for free!

"Firefighters have been battling the blazes in the Somerset West region since Tuesday," Uber says, "and they need as much support as possible to help keep them energised". 

Members of the public can donate the following: 

Non-perishable goods

Ready-to-eat foods

Liquid refreshments

How it works:

Open the app on Friday, 6 January, between 10:00 – 15:00Set the destination > Central Fire Station & Sentrale Brandsweerstasie

Slide right and select UberCOMMUNITY

Request as usual

When the driver arrives – meet him at your pick up point with your donations

Important to note:

The donation drive will run between 10:00 – 15:00 on Friday, 6 January. Requests must be placed within those hours.

The designated pickup point must be within Cape Town, so that a driver-partners can collect your donations.All donations must be bagged or boxed in order for drivers to accept your donation. If possible, please mark clearly what you are donating!Please keep in mind that driver partners can’t leave vehicles unattended, so we ask that you bring your items out to meet your driver when they arrive.

#UberCOMMUNITY will be in high demand so please be patient!If you are unable to request an #UberCOMMUNITY vehicle on the day, please drop off the much needed items at the Roeland Street Fire Station or Strand Fire Station.

Successful redemption of this offer is subject to the availability of Uber partner-drivers.  Access to and use of the Uber App will be subject to the standard terms and conditions applicable to all riders who use the platform.