Locals help KZN and Gauteng residents
The community of Tzaneen has shown the spirit of ubuntu by collecting and transporting basic goods for residents of KwaZulu-Natal.
This comes as essential goods such as food, fuel and medication became scarce after community members wreaked havoc by destroying malls, shopping centres, warehouses and other infrastructures in the two provinces.
The protestors who went on a looting spree were calling for the release of former president Jacob Zuma who is in custody for contempt of court in connection with the ongoing Zondo Commission.
The initiative to transport goods to the affected areas was started by Eugene Kalafatis who is a pilot at Letaba Fire Protection Association (LFPA) but is from a farm near Pietermaritzburg.
LFPA public relations officer, Maritza Swanepoel told Herald that Eugene offered his Bell-Huey helicopter which can carry 1.2 tons to transport food to the needy communities in KZN.
“LFPA got permission from their members to release the helicopter and we wanted to send a load from here. I then contacted Naomi Excell from Agri Letaba to partner with us,” she said.
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She said the community of Tzaneen donated necessities of about two tons within a couple of hours even though they were informed about the matter at short notice.
“We received oranges from Letsitele and pumpkins from Ofcolaco as well.
The donations consisted of formula milk and baby food, diapers, toiletries, canned food, dog food, and dry rations.
“Allesbeste Padstal and Amorentia Estate also collected and it was all put together,” she said.
She said due to the donated items being heavy for the helicopter to carry, they had to make another plan.
“Through Lauren Strever from Amorentia Estate, Kobus Minnaar Transport offered to transport it for free to KwaZulu-Natal and it was delivered to them on Monday afternoon,” she said.
Also read: Looting rumours are fake
Naomi told Herald that Agri Letaba members contributed R135 000 to the Agri SA Disaster Relief Fund.
“Agri Letaba in conjunction with LFPA collected two tons of non-perishable food, fruit and vegetables.
The Tzaneen Showgrounds (Agri Letaba office) also serves as a drop-off point for the ‘Manna vir die Boere’ initiative.
“Farmers and members are contributing in their own personal capacity fruit and vegetables to various organisations helping people in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng,” Naomi said.
