#OperationHydrate takes on the drought

#OperationHydrate is a non-profit and non-governmental organisation which was established in January to assist with the collection and distribution of drinking water to drought-stricken areas, particularly the Free State and Eastern Cape provinces.

The company announced its partnership, committing that its retail assets comprising five shopping centres around the country would be used to host water-collection drives.

The first collection will be held at Nelson Mandela Square between 12 February and 14 February. Members of the public and the shopping centre’s tenants are urged to donate sealed 5-litre bottles of water and drop them off at the Nelson Mandela statue. Contributors will be able to buy bottles of water at the cost price of R10 per 5-litre bottle from Checkers Hyper at Sandton City.

“As a socially responsible business, it is important for us to make a difference and a meaningful contribution to the communities in which we operate, particularly to those who are less fortunate,” said Seelan Gobalsamy, CEO of Stanlib.

“Large parts of South Africa have been affected by severe drought conditions and communities in those regions are in dire need of assistance.”

The company has already donated 15 000 litres of water, collected by their staff and business partners, to #OperationHydrate. Further water-collection drives will be held at Sandton City, Eastgate Mall, Liberty Midlands Mall and Liberty Promenade.

Gobalsamy added that Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square would donate R50 000 to #OperationHydrate, which would be used to buy 5 000 5-litre bottles (25 000 litres) of water.

To coincide with World Water Day on 22 March, Sandton City is set to host a special water collection.

Details: www.nelsonmandelasquare.co.za or www.sandtoncity.com or 011 217 6000.

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