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Province launches Disaster Relief Fund in partnership with private sector


The KZN province has today launched a disaster relief fund to facilitate donations from corporates and private individuals to bolster government efforts In mitigating the impact of natural disasters. The initiative is in response to the devastation wrought in the coastal areas of the province by the mega-storm of 9 October this year.

“The provincial government’s capacity to deal with the effects of disasters is constantly improving but there are times when our skilled and dedicated disaster management teams get overwhelmed as was the case during the 9 October mega-storm and in its aftermath,” said KZN MEC for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube whose department manages disasters.

The mega-storm had multiple casualties which also included minors and displaced several communities. The damage to public infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and roads occurred on an unprecedented scale. A total of 9720 private homes were also damaged. Assistance to all affected communities is still ongoing.

“We are moved by the outpouring of goodwill we have witnessed in the wake of the storm with businesses and private individuals making donations to complement our disaster relief assistance to communities. This disaster relief fund is the culmination of our efforts to harness all this goodwill effectively,” said Dube-Ncube.

KZN Cogta’s own disaster management teams respond to every reported incident in conjunction with the disaster management teams stationed in district municipalities. The department’s records show disasters ranging from floods to hailstorms and occurring with increasing frequency and intensity as a result of climate change.

Banking Account Details:

BANK: ABSA

“We wish to assure all donors that all donations to the disaster relief fund will be spent with utmost effiency and transparency to benefit those most in need of assistance. The fund will provide both emergency relief assistance and aftercare to disaster-stricken communities in tandem with our established disaster management protocols,” said Dube-Ncube.

KZN Cogta wishes to appreciate the assistance it has received from the Durban Chamber of Commerce in arranging today’s fundraising breakfast in Umhlanga where the disaster relief fund was formally launched in the presence of representatives of the province’s business community.

For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403; and Msawakhe Mayisela, 060 966 4220

Ends.