He also called on business people, NGOs and all residents to lend a helping hand.

"We have taken this initiative because of what has happened in the past few weeks in many areas, where we have seen many people having their goods destroyed by fires and that is why we want to assist those people with this initiative,” Nxumalo said, adding that any form of donation is welcomed.

The goods can be dropped off at the mayor's office at City Hall during business hours. They will be stored at the Municipal Disaster Management Centre for distribution in cases of disaster.

Since taking over as mayor, Nxumalo and Deputy Mayor Nomvuzo Shabalala have visited several informal settlements including KwaMashu hostel, Cato Crest, Clermont and Blackburn, to sympathise and bring relief to victims of disasters.