Ekurhuleni and Gift of Givers launch partnership
“If you want the best, you learn from the best,” said Sibande.
The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) Department and Gift of the Givers cemented a relationship on disaster management and social development.
The relationship was solidified by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by both parties on June 27 at the DEMS headquarters in Bedfordview.
The aim of this partnership is to improve community awareness campaigns for neighbourhood resilience. It will also benefit human resources in communities in case of emergencies or disasters.
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The MoU will create a foundation for greater assistance to communities, such as the disabled or the aged, with social services.
“The partnership will see the city benefit in terms of external expertise in the event of major emergency incidents or disasters and community development,” said CoE spokesperson Themba Gadebe.
The MoU opening was conducted by the senior manager at DEMS Bafana Mazibuko.
Head of Department (HOD) at DEMS Sam Sibande said that Gift of the Givers is internationally recognised for the work it has done. Sibande said the Gift of the Givers’ members have been around the world doing great work and stick to their key message of being humanitarian.
“If you want the best, you learn from the best,” said Sibande.
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He said that at every major incident in CoE, Gift of the Givers was present. Head of Corporate and Government National of Gift of the Givers Badr Kazi gave an overview of Gift of the Givers and spoke about the long relationship with CoE.
He said Gift of the Givers works with the South African philosophy of Ubuntu when involved with disaster management and social development.
“As a country we are exceptional,” said Kazi. He said Gift of the Givers has spent R1-million on resources for disaster management. “Our poor and weak need the best,” said Kazi.
They have also teamed up with every part of disaster relief bodies.
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“As an organisation we can transfer goodwill,” said Kazi. He thanked CoE for making this partnership possible. MMC of Community Safety Clr Vivian Chauke gave a keynote address on what the day meant for CoE.
She said this signing linked the NGO and government officials. “Our president will be very happy today,” said Chauke.
Communications and brand management senior protocol officer Ivan du Plessis spoke about the signing ceremony as Sibande and Kazi signed each document.
