The Ekurhuleni metro signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the international disaster relief organisation, Gift of the Givers recently.
According to Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the metro, the partnership that will be formed out of the MoU is envisaged to enhance disaster management service in an event of a major emergency incident.
“The metro and the Gift of the Givers have already worked together during disasters that happened in the metro previously. The two parties will now officially share expertise in disaster relief and response,” said Gadebe.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Safety Vivienne Chauke, said: “The main outcome of the partnership is to provide the formal link between the NGOs and government disaster management professionals.
“The metro will work with the NGO to improve community preparedness for disasters by conducting awareness campaigns.
“The collaboration will also augment the humanitarian resources to vulnerable communities in an event of major emergency incidents or disasters and to create a capacity to assist vulnerable groups, child-headed families, disabled persons or aged persons in the field of social development.”
Badr Kazi, from the Gift of the Givers, said that they have acquired R100-million worth of equipment and infrastructure so that every person they assist gets the world’s best standard treatment during times of need such as when there are floods, fires or other disasters.
“When there are disasters, we collaborate with the local municipalities. Though we are known for handing out food parcels and blankets, there is a lot that we are doing. Our relationship with the Ekurhuleni metro goes a long way.
“We always had a proactive and productive relationship with the City of Ekurhuleni. Today we are just making it official,” Kazi said.
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