LIVES will never be the same following floods that have claimed and destroyed properties in both Limpopo and Mpumalanga, respectively.
Although the cost could rise to millions, this could increase as climate change that has been “catastrophic” as per President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to Giyani last week, continues to see more rains.
The popular tourist visit Kruger National Park was also affected by the floods and some bookings had to be cancelled as a result.
To try and mitigate, Africa’s top banker First National Bank (FNB) made a donation of R3.7 million to support communities across both Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
Since 12 January, heavy rainfall and widespread flooding have devastated numerous districts across the two provinces, damaging infrastructure, disrupting essential services, and displacing thousands of residents.
FNB has allocated a portion of the funding to supporting SANParks staff, many of whom have been directly impacted while continuing efforts to keep national parks safe and operational during the crisis.
“FNB is deeply rooted in South Africa’s communities, and we stand with those communities affected by this fierce flooding,” said Jacqui O’Sullivan, FNB Corporate Affairs Executive.
“Our contribution is aimed at supporting immediate humanitarian needs while also helping families to begin to rebuild.”
The funds will be channelled through humanitarian partner, Gift of the Givers, to provide urgent assistance to vulnerable families and frontline personnel impacted by the disaster.
“We thank Gift of the Givers for once again partnering with us to get help to those most affected, as quickly as possible, and we recognise the tireless work of the emergency services, relief agencies and officials, as they continue their rescue operations.”
The donation will enable the rapid deployment of relief including blankets, mattresses, hot meals, hygiene packs, and baby care essentials for affected households.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, who has visited flood-hit Kruger National Park where he spent time assessing the damage and engaging with various stakeholders, including SANParks leadership, says they will establish what is called Kruger Relief Fund.
“While we have witnessed major disruptions and damage owing to the heavy rains in Mpumalanga and Limpopo over the last few days, what has been even more incredible to witness has been the well-planned and executed response from the Park,” said Aucamp.
“Our early warning systems meant that the emergency teams could act timeously to evacuate staff and guests in a coordinated manner.”
The Minister also commended the team for applying a safety-first, human-centric approach despite facing massive disruptions to operations and infrastructure – including road and gate closures, electricity outages and interruptions to other basic services.
“The outpouring of support has been tremendous,” said the Minister.
“I am pleased to announce that SANParks have committed to establishing the Kruger Relief Fund to help with rebuilding efforts, emergency supplies and any other necessities.”
The Fund will be managed and audited by two independent auditing firms.
