Initiative takes flight to help the destitute in KwaZulu-Natal
A group of private pilots and various organisations have banded together to assist KwaZulu-Natal residents, who have been affected by looting.
The nationwide looting that has shocked the country in the past week, has had a dire effect on residents in KwaZulu-Natal.
As a result of the looting, many residents are left without basic necessities, which has prompt an initiative by brigadier Pierre van Staden.
Through the initiative, private pilots and organisations have banded together to help the destitute in KwaZulu-Natal, and a message is doing the rounds on WhatsApp to ask for donations.
The message states that emergency flights have already been made to areas in KwaZulu-Natal, which was confirmed by one of the pilots, Stef Papendorf.
“Citizens can be assured that their donations will be safe and reach the intended recipients. There is power in the masses and together we can make a big difference. What is happening is criminal and not South African. We can deliver a load of up to 300kg at a time,” he explained.
Another message also states that there is a need for bigger planes, to assist with the deliveries.Â
Review contacted one of the people involved in the initiative, Linda Brummer, who is a paramedic from Rustenburg.
Brummer said the initiative is close to her heart as she originates from Richards Bay. When she saw the message on WhatsApp, she wanted to get involved and contacted Van Staden to find out how she can make a difference.
“He put me in contact with a private pilot from the Rustenburg area. Various ward councillors and community leaders have also come onboard and together we have gathered supplies to take to the destitute in Richards Bay,” Brummer explained.
She is in direct contact with Van Staden and a private organisation in Richards Bay, and says the dire need at the moment is basic necessities and baby formula.
“There are babies of two and three months old who have not had formula for the last two days. The families in Richards Bay are in dire need,” she emphasised.
Anyone who wants to assist in this initiative can either contact Van Staden on 08 267 5021 or Brummer on 084 812 1123.
