Ophiyaneni: The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), in collaboration with its social partners, will be building nine new houses for families who were affected by the recent formation of a crater. CoGTA MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, made the announcement during a recent visit to the affected households in Ophiyaneni, in Nongoma, to assess the damage and offer support.
According to South African Government News Agency, the MEC handed over essential relief supplies to 100 families in the area who have been affected by the recent severe weather conditions. Buthelezi announced that the department, through its social partners, including Old Mutual, the Red Cross, Al Imdaad Foundation, and the Themba Njilo Foundation, will be constructing a total of nine new houses for the families.
Addressing community members, Buthelezi emphasised the importance of responding effectively to the communities’ needs in the aftermath of the adverse weather conditions. ‘Our primary concern is to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected families, and we deeply appreciate the commitment of our social partners – Old Mutual, the Red Cross, Al Imdaad Foundation, and the Themba Njilo Foundation – in providing vital support through the construction of these new homes for those displaced by the crater and the provision of immediate relief,’ Buthelezi said.
Meanwhile, Buthelezi welcomed the R1 million donation by the Chinese Government for disaster relief. The donation was handed over during the official launch of the Winter Season Disaster Awareness Campaign held recently at Mandeni Local Municipality.
Representatives from the Chinese Embassy joined the MEC at the event, where the donation of essential relief material was formally presented. In his address, Buthelezi expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for their ongoing support to the people of KwaZulu-Natal during times of disaster. ‘We are deeply thankful for this generous support from the Chinese government. This donation will significantly assist communities affected by disasters and enhance our relief efforts,’ Buthelezi said.
The Disaster Awareness Campaign seeks to inform communities about disaster risks, promote preparedness at the household level, and foster collaboration among government entities, stakeholders, and international partners. Residents received information about the weather incidents typically experienced by the province during winter and were educated on essential safety precautions.