The recent tsunami disaster that hit South East Asia and some parts of East Africa which claimed nearly 290 000 lives and left a trail of destruction has proved to be a unifying factor across the globe. In South Africaa national effort was forged to demonstrate African humanity, the spirit of ubuntu, mobilising the entire nation through unprecedented coordinated efforts which saw the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) raising over R20million within 2 months.
 
Mr Leslie Mondo, Secretary General of the SARCS said: “When we launched the appeal on 29th December 2004 with a target of R10 million, I really thought that we were dreaming, but our fellow citizens have come to the fore as a nation of givers – it is truly humbling, I am proud to be a South African. The recent transfer of R10 million has now brought the total transferred to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to R20 million.”.
 
For a moment, the world has focused on one positive thing; saving human life by mobilizing the power of humanity. Citizens are competing with governments and institutions in supporting this common cause. Donations are still pouring in from all corners of the world to try and provide comfort to those who survived the disaster and those who lost their loved ones but the goods news from the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is that the five-year recovery plan with a target of R1.1 billion is 70% funded thanks to the speedy transfer of donations from countries like South Africa.
 
 “It is amazing that even those countries that are always recipients of aid have donated something towards the disaster. Africa has demonstrated to the world that it is not about the amount that one contributes, but the willingness and spirit to share the little they have,” said Ms Françoise Le Goff, the International Federation of Red Cross Red and Crescent Societies’ Head of Regional Delegation for Southern Africa.
 
Individuals were the main contributors to the SARCS ABSA Bank account with over 20 000 bank deposits ranging from R2 to R100 000. Corporate South Africagenerously gave larger sums but it was single amounts from pensioners, school children and those via employee giving and small business that demonstrated the strength of unity in the face of disaster.
 
SARCS will be publishing a special edition of their newsletter “Scoop” in recognition of this grounds well from the public. The recent transfer to the IFRC in Geneva from South Africans will be partially dedicated to the recovery programme in Somalia.