Benoni organisations stepped up to assist at Tambo Memorial Hospital

Volunteers turned out in numbers to assist with the Tambo Memorial Hospital clean-up.

January 5, 2023

Jani de Beer 1 minute read

The key role players during the clean-up project. Back: Amina Bhabha (BLF), Laken Bouwer, Mary Goby (ward 28), Pierre Marnaweck (The Humanity Foundation), Craig Richardson (chaplain and head of COBI Operations). Front: Hawa Bibi Sibda (BLF), Lorraine Greeff (chaplain) and Deon Greeff.

As the community of Plantation pick up the pieces of their lives after the gas tanker explosion on December 24, Benoni organisations have banded together to lend a helping hand.

Under the co-ordination of Ward 28 Clr Mary Goby, the Benoni Ladies Forum (BLF), Benoni Muslim Charity Organisation (BMCO), The Humanity Foundation, various security companies, chaplains, and the Benoni CPF ensured that the first responders were fed and hydrated on the day of the incident.

The volunteers again stepped up to the plate on Christmas Day, visiting bereaved families and delivering food and other essentials.

“We visited homes in Plantation, distributing cakes and treats to fellow residents who were also left traumatised.

Members of The Humanity Foundation assess the damage caused to the carport netting by the immense heat emitted from the blast. Later they removed the stark reminders of lives lost.

“Along with Mary, we visited the children and maternity wards at Tambo Memorial Hospital to surprise the new moms and sick children with small gifts and treats,” said Amina Bhabha of BLF.

“We did not realise how the blast affected patients at the hospital, who witnessed the unfolding events from the windows of their wards.”

On January 2, volunteers from the BLF, BMCO, The Humanity Foundation, and willing members of the community again descended on the hospital, this time armed with brooms and shovels to clean the hospital wards and grounds.

Many hands make light work. Roelein Mesyn (13) of Boksburg and Anke van Dyk (17) of Benoni got down and dirty.

Pierre Marnaweck of The Humanity Foundation said, “The impact of this incident had a far-reaching effect on all of the staff at the hospital and we, therefore, decided to lighten their burden by taking over some of the daily maintenance duties.

“It is inspiring to see how the community of Benoni has banded together to assist the Boksburg community. We hope that these small deeds show our love and respect for our neighbours.”

Goby said that fire-damaged trees on the hospital grounds were chopped down and removed.“We hope that the new trees will serve as a lasting memory to those who lost their lives in this tragedy.”

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