The SOS Children’s Villages in South Africa has launched a R12m “Rebuilding Hope in Mthatha” initiative, a post-disaster recovery and child-centred resilience programme.
The initiative, with support from the SOS International Federation, seeks to restore dignity, safety and resilience for flood-affected communities in Mthatha.
The organisation, with a long-standing presence in Mthatha, understands the ongoing need to protect children, strengthen families and support community recovery.
SOS Children’s Villages national director Nqabakazi Gina said the project was targeting about 12,500 direct beneficiaries, including more than 6,000 children in four priority locations — Zimbane, New Payne, Phola Park and Hillcrest.
“The SOS is undertaking this project because the June 2025 floods caused severe disruption to family life, education and child protection systems, leaving thousands of children and caregivers vulnerable, neglected and in psychosocial distress.
This project aligns with our mission to ensure every child grows up in a safe and caring environment, even in times of crisis
“This project aligns with our mission to ensure every child grows up in a safe and caring environment, even in times of crisis.”
The initiative intends to work closely with the Eastern Cape departments of social development, health, provincial disaster management, co-operative governance and traditional affairs, and the premier’s office.
“These partnership are critical to ensuring the project is fully aligned with the province’s recovery strategies, safeguarding protocols and community mobilisation efforts.”
The programme will run for two years.
Gina said while they did not have the funds to build houses, they would help where they could.
A thousand households would receive three cycles of cash transfers to meet basic needs.
“About 7,400 individuals will benefit from improved community systems and services.
“The programme will enable families to rebuild their lives through cash and voucher assistance, distribution of seeds and small livestock and skills training for sustainable income generation.
“We will help build local capacity for disaster preparedness, risk reduction and safeguard systems to protect vulnerable groups.”
Social development acting district director Nomvuzo Qambela and health department district director Nomvume Ntshanga committed their departments to support the initiative.
Ntshanga said: “We are happy that the children in the SOS were not among the hundreds found to be malnourished. We are happy with SOS’s initiatives and programmes which seek to develop our communities.”
AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo’s representative, Prince Xolani Ntamo, said they would also assist in sports development and providing land for house-building.
“The king has pieces of land that he and his traditional leaders have agreed can be used to build houses for victims. If you want to build houses, land is available.”
He said the king had just received a donation from the Israeli government.
“[Accepting the donation] was a difficult decision to make. The king is against the crimes committed by the Israeli government, but had reluctantly accepted the donation — not for himself but for the sake of the victims of floods who were left with nothing and have lost loved ones,” Ntamo said.
Flood victims themselves also welcomed the initiative.
Thobeka Gantsho, 28, of New Payne, said she was grateful.
“It is by God’s mercy that my two children, aged six years and six months, are still alive.
“I literally had to shield them with my body, mostly fearing for the baby, as bricks, wood and rubble fell over me. I was badly injured and my house was damaged.
“But I am happy both my children were not injured at all. The assistance from SOS is most appreciated as it will also assist me psychologically to deal with the trauma that still haunts me today.”
The June floods left 103 people dead and thousands homeless.
Daily Dispatch
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