Flood-affected families urged to work with government
She vowed government would stand with the affected families until they regained their strength and rebuild their lives.
Flood victims are urged to work closely with government as they try to restore their lives in the aftermath of the recent heavy rains.
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu made this passionate plea last week during a visit to Mandeni.
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She said government intervention should not be clouded by allegations of corruption.
‘We brought relief to the community, working together with many social partners and the private sector, including Old Mutual,’ said Zulu.
‘When we respond to the plight facing our people as a result of the floods, we will work with local government because they know who was affected.’
Zulu said since President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the National State of Disaster, all departments, including local government, have to be able to assist affected families.
Minister Zulu, together with her deputy, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu and Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla
Khoza, rolled out government’s ongoing humanitarian relief measures to flood-stricken Ndwedwe and Mandeni municipalities.
She vowed government would stand with the affected families until they regained their strength and rebuild their lives.
‘We are all in pain about the loss of lives and we have a team of social workers tasked to work with affected families and provide them with psycho-social support,’ she said.
‘We want to see people who lost important documents having them re-issued immediately to ensure beneficiaries continue to receive what is due to them.
‘Children who have lost their school uniforms will be assisted with replacing them,’ she said.
Zulu further pleaded with the communities to avoid building in low-lying areas, saying it was imperative for local government to educate communities about climate change and indicate what needs to be avoided to reduce global warming.
‘Our scientists always advise us about the change of weather patterns in our country. We must follow their guidance because climate change is going to mess up our lives,’ she said.
Zulu encouraged municipalities to ensure the recycling of waste is done in a way that is not harmful to the environment, saying it was another opportunity for communities to support themselves.
She further urged men to support the government in bringing an end to the scourge of gender-based violence.
MEC Khoza said government’s commitment to all flood victims would be fulfilled. She added that, with help from the private sector every affected family would receive assistance.
‘Our government will stand with the people all the way. Those who lost loved ones will receive assistance as
Premier Sihle Zikalala and President Cyril Ramaphosa made clear. None of the donations will go to the wrong people.
‘We will ensure that only affected people benefit, and we appeal to the communities to not take chances when they know they were not affected,’ concluded Zulu.
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