Updates on Disasters in South Africa
- Michael Jacobs, acting disaster relief co-ordinator, reports the following with regard to the fires in the Western Cape:
- Joe Slovo settlement
Twelve thousand people were provided with supper for 3 days following the fire. Twenty volunteers and 4 staff and 30 youth members from the Northern branch assisted with this relief work. The youth members have started with assessments of the approximately 2000 affected families who are being provided with temporary shelter in 8 marquee tents. Brunch, which included yoghurt donated by Dairybelle, has been provided for 3 days from 24 January until today, 26 January to the children attending schools in the affected area. A donation of duvet covers and T shirts from South African Airways (SAA) – received in 9 bakkie-loads – will be distributed with clothing.
SABC2’s Morning Live featured SARCS’s relief work in the fire-torn areas in an extensive interview with Leslie Isaacs, acting provincial manager of the Western Cape on Tuesday, 25 January.
The National President, Ms Mandisa Kalako-Williams, and the Federation Representative in South Africa, Ms Seija Tyrninoksa, are visiting the disaster area today, 26 January, to support and encourage the volunteers and staff members who have been working tirelessly and to meet victims of the disaster.
- Khayamandi, Stellenbosch
One thousand five hundred people were affected when 250 shacks burnt down on Thursday, 17 January. Seven volunteers and some members of the community have been providing breakfast, lunch and supper for the victims of the fire for 3 days. The Stellenbosch disaster management team from the municipality is assisting the Red Cross with the relief work.
- Floods in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Derick Naidoo, KwaZulu Natal provincial manager, reported that relief in the form of food, blankets and clothing is being provided by his team in the areas affected by the cyclone. The areas include Ulundi, Kranskop, Estcourt, the Umvoti Municipality of Greytown, Kranskop, Sweetwaters and Ncwabi near Pietermaritzburg, Zululand, Babanango and the Nkandla district.
SARCS’s National President will visit the affected areas for 2 days, starting on 26 January, to support the operation.
- Drought in Northern Cape / Free State
Relief goods received for the tsunami victims are being transported to the above area to assist in the drought-stricken areas.
