R2m donated towards drought relief efforts

The grant, available with immediate effect, will be utilised to purchase approximately 130 water tanks which will be distributed in KwaZulu-Natal (Ixopo and Umzimkhulu), Free State (Thaba Nchu) and Limpopo (Thusalushaka, Kodumela and Giyani) provinces. The water tanks will provide people from the areas with safe and easy access to drinkable water.

Image source: World Vision

World Vision has, through its area development programmes (ADPs) in the earmarked areas, in partnership with local municipalities and towns, been providing relief through its established infrastructures and systems that include the installation of water tanks, and food aid.

Partners are critical

"We are immensely grateful for the support of the FirstRand Foundation which will undoubtedly greatly strengthen our efforts in the identified provinces. Partners such as the FirstRand Foundation are critical in our fight against poverty and injustice, and especially when the most vulnerable and impoverished are hit hard by natural disasters," comments Paula Barnard, National Director of World Vision SA.

"Our children are affected on a daily basis by this shortage of water and food which is causing diseases through unsafe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene practices impacting especially girls. Also, children's access to education and their safety are impacted when they have to walk great distances to collect water.

"This grant will allow not only for a re-active response to the drought relief efforts, but also ensure that communities and schools become more resilient, empowered and are able to deal with disasters better in future," she adds.

"Since the inception of the rainy season, South Africa has experienced very dry conditions in most provinces. This has resulted in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Free State recently being officially declared disaster areas. The most affected are women and children, as in most rural areas women still take the responsibility of collecting and ensuring there is enough water in households," says Beth van Heerden, FirstRand CSI executive.

Installation of water storage tanks

The FirstRand Foundation emergency disaster relief grant will go towards the professional installation of 130 x 5,000-litre water storage tanks, to be distributed evenly across the World Vision's existing water, sanitation and hygiene projects in the Free State, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.

"The water tanks will assist in ensuring that water is shared by all community members and those coming from work later in the day will also have access to water," adds van Heerden.

The FirstRand Foundation grant will complement World Vision's current relief activities which include its FLOW: Inspired to see no child without water campaign that encourages people to sponsor R10 or R20 through a dedicated SMS line (SMS Flow to 40801) or go directly to the World Vision website.

By donating to FLOW people are bringing relief such as:

• Supply of hand sanitisers;
  
• Dignity packs for girls;
  
• Installation of water tanks;
  
• Provision of water purification; and
  
• Provision of disposable nappies.