Food parcels to rural Manguzi communities a godsend
Food parcels and sanitation packs have been delivered by air to needy northern KZN families
MORE than 1 000 food parcels and sanitation packs have been delivered to impoverished areas in the far reaches of northern KZN, thanks to a productive partnership between various government departments and NPOs.
The KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), in partnership with the Department of Health, SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) and other social partners have been assisting rural communities severely affected by the Covid-19 lockdown.
‘Flying to Manguzi, situated close to the border of Mozambique, takes us just under an hour, whereas travelling by road can take up to six hours to reach the community,’ said chief pilot Jon Sargood, who plays a critical role in the co-ordination and management of this initiative.
‘This is a team effort. we must continue to support this project and provide assistance where needed.
‘The AMS is honoured to be able to assist in providing humanitarian interventions apart from our daily essential aero-medical emergency services.’
Social partners included in the initiative are NPOs such as the Al-Imdaad Foundation and The Red Cross Society to assist with food donations, Indiza Airport Management (Pty) Ltd for waiving landing fees and allowing access to Virginia Airport as the central logistics point, Focus Air for allowing the use of their hangar at Virginia Airport to store food parcels, and Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS).
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