Packaged: Hampers of food and blankets were packed and distributed for those by floods
Thousands left without homes after gale-force winds and heavy rain struck the Western Cape
Craig Kudita
After gale-force winds and floods hit the areas around Cape Town, ForAfrika’s Western Cape team were, once again, quick to respond as thousands were left without the bare essentials. Almost 3,000 homes and small businesses were damaged; some were completely destroyed.
Pipes burst and electricity lines were down, while some roads were closed. Affected families had to rely on neighbours and relatives for shelter and many did not know where their next meal would come from.
Under guidance of Disaster Risk Management officials and working with local churches and other partners, ForAfrika rallied to get donations of blankets, food and other essential items for the most vulnerable households in Llwandle, Khayelitsha and Mfuleni.
“Every donation, even if it looks small to you, will help us build our homes again,” said Reverent Siyabulela from Llwandle Methodist Church, who helped lead the response.
‘Amazing donors and partners’
“We could never do this without our amazing partners and donors,” said Adel Terblanche, Western Cape Community Development Officer.
“We partnered with YeboFresh and The Warehouse Trust, specifically Lester Sedras, to procure items needed for our hampers. Our suppliers moved quickly and donations flowed in from generous donors. Currently we have assisted 600 people with relief hampers, but there are still many more who need our attention,” she said.
“The team has learnt to prepare early for floods, which seem to have become a regular occurrence in this area over the cooler months.”
Craig Kudita is Communications Officer for South Africa
