The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated 1,009 food parcels to BCM mayor Princess Faku for distribution to those hit hard by the destructive weather that has overwhelmed the province in the past two weeks.
There has been major damage to infrastructure across a number of municipal wards in Buffalo City Metro and about 3,000 families have been affected.
Church spokesperson Nonnie Canham said besides the food parcels, they had also donated bedding, linen and bath towels.
“We do this regularly. We have a humanitarian department which ploughs back into communities in dire need of help.”
The food parcels consisted of 10kg of rice, maize meal, sugar, flour, soup, tea, tins of pilchards, morvite grain, milk, yeast sachets, cooking oil and other essentials.
“Our main purpose as Christians is to follow the footsteps of Christ, so we help those who are suffering.”
Faku said: “We issued a call for flood disaster relief, appealing to the BCMM community at large to open their hearts and help those in need.
“We asked the business fraternity, key stakeholders, the religious community and other sectors to come forward to donate.
“We are happy with the swift response we have received from different organisations.”
She said the ongoing rain was increasing the risk of further damage and displacement, but their teams were working around the clock to make sure residents were safe.
Many displaced families had to be housed in community halls and other facilities, while emergency interventions had to be made to feed those who were left with nothing.
“We are humbled to receive food parcels for 1,009 families together with linen, including pillows, duvets, towels and dish towels, from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“We know this donation is from the heart.
“These food parcels will feed more than 5,000 people in our city.”
Faku said land had been identified in areas such as Amalinda and Mdantsane to build structures for displaced people.
“On behalf of the provincial government, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, and the council, we want to thank the church for this donation.
“We also thank all those who have made this day possible, and other stakeholders who have or are planning to come forward to help us feed and clothe these families.
“We know they will close the gap so that everyone benefits from their support.
“We are still making the call to our citizens to play their part as well.
“There is a significant requirement for response from non-government organisations and other organisations to help and provide the assistance needed in these communities.”
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