durban kzn floods april 2019

Police officers try to rescue people trapped in their homes destroyed in a mudslide following torrential downpours and flash floods, near Westcliff Secondary School in Chatsworth, south of Durban. Photo: RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP

Durban floods: Who’s doing what and how can you help

The flooding in Durban has left 70 dead and countless homeless, and their neighbourhoods in ruins.

durban kzn floods april 2019

Police officers try to rescue people trapped in their homes destroyed in a mudslide following torrential downpours and flash floods, near Westcliff Secondary School in Chatsworth, south of Durban. Photo: RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP

While the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, it’s clear that the recovery efforts will be one of the largest undertakings we’ve had to face as a country for a long time.

In the wake of the human tragedy caused by the flooding, individuals and corporates alike have demonstrated some of the best examples of South African compassion in rushing to the aid of those families who have lost so much.

Naspers

Naspers donated R1m to the Gift of the Givers to assist the organisations on the ground helping displaced families. Aileen O’Toole, Chief People Officer of Naspers, said:

“We are deeply saddened by the impact that the floods have had on the communities in Durban and the South Coast area. We send our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives in the floods.”

Naspers encouraged other corporates to follow suit, to “make donations and support the call from the South African government to provide much-needed relief.”

MTN

MTN also heeded the call and donated R1m towards the cause. Kusile Mtunzi-Hairwadzi, General Manager: MTN SA Foundation, said:

“Our hearts go out to all those who have lost loved ones or have been displaced by the recent floods. It is most often the most vulnerable members of society, with the least resources – women and children – who are adversely affected by these natural disasters. A calamity of this magnitude calls upon all of us to assist those impacted in whichever way we can.”

SAPeople.com

SA People created a crowdfunding campaign and urged members of the public to assist with the ongoing relief efforts. As expected the global community opened their hearts and their wallets.

The fundraising target was set at R100 000. At the time of publishing, R 62 921.63 was collected in funds.

All funds raised by the BackaBuddy campaign will be directly administered by BackaBuddy NPC and transferred directly to The Gift of the Givers.

Gift of the Givers

Gift of the Givers was the first organisation to dispatch volunteers and clean-up teams to the affected areas. They have truly been at the coalface since the start of the natural disaster and have been instrumental in helping those who have been displaced.

Thousands of residents who had lost lost everything in the devastating floods and mudslides, found safety and necessary provisions like blankets, fresh water and food, thanks to efforts extended by Gift of the Givers.

You can also join Gift of the Givers in the humanitarian work they’re doing by contributing your time, money or in-demand items, such as food, clothes, toiletries, and blankets.

Red Cross Society

Hundreds of volunteers were dispatched to affected area to distribute meals, clothes and blankets. In addition, the NGO worked tirelessly to provide shelter and psychological support to victims.

Individuals who would like to assist, either by donating their time, monetary contributions or relief items, can contact the Red Cross on 039 682 0205 or through their website.

The organisation is appealing for donations of hygiene kits, warm clothing, non perishable foods, blankets, tents, household items, mattresses, baby packs and clean water.

Uber

The Uber community was it out in full force today, collecting supplies for those in need. Uber drivers collected supplies straight from residents’ homes.

Once collected, all donations will be taken to one of the Country Duty Drop-off Points, from where it will be distributed to those in need.

Those who still want to help but missed the 15:00 deadline can take their donations to one of the following collection points:

  • Mangosuthu University of Technology at 511 Mangosuthu Highway, Umlazi
  • Durban City Hall on Anton Lembede St, Durban Central
  • Pharmacy at Spar Merrivale, 13 Zeedeeberg Rd, Merrivale, Howick.

Chinese Government

Truck loads of supplies, courtesy of the Chinese Government, were headed to Umlazi earlier today. The Chinese government donated at least R1m towards relief and assistance.

In addition to the donations of clothes and blankets being dispatched to communities in need, international relations minister Lindiwe Sisulu and ambassador Lin Songtian visited the flood-ravaged communities.

As reported by EWN, the donations didn’t only come from the Chinese Government, but also from Chinese citizens living in South Africa.

ECRCan (East Coast Radio)

Residents in KwaZulu Natal began a canned food collection drive in aid of the flood victims. In partnership with Gift of the Givers and UberCommunity, ECRCan collected thousands of canned food items for distribution.

Shoprite Checkers

According to Shoprite Checkers spokesperson Nikita Morgan, the retail giant assisted in the efforts by donating more than 7 000 cans of food towards the cause.

In addition, Shoprite teams sent their mobile unit to distribute soup and bread and food parcels and blankets. Unfortunately, the teams had difficulty reaching the disaster sites.

Several roads and bridges in the area had washed away. Disaster management teams will reconvene to discuss strategies of how to teach all affected victims.

Food Not Bombs

Food Not Bombs in collaboration with CLAW also did their part to co-ordinate efforts in and around affected areas, while members from the Johannesburg branch collected groceries, blankets, and clothes.

Support from local celebrities

A number of celebrities like Bonang Mtheba and AKA have already pledged their support while many social media users have used their platforms to make people aware of how they can contribute.

Award-winning musician Prince Kaybee donated R150 000 towards relief efforts. In addition, he took to social media and urged others to do the same. He said on Instagram that is donation h is not enough, and added:

“If you are inspired by this post, join me, let’s rebuild Umlazi.”

DJ Tira pledged R200 000 to relief efforts, while Black Coffee had offered R100 000. DJ Tira said on Facebook that the Gagasi FM team raised more to R370 000 to date.