Germiston Red Cross honours humanitarian volunteers on World Red Cross Day
The Germiston Red Cross branch, which has operated in the area for over five decades, continues the global mission of providing humanitarian aid.
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day marks the annual global celebration of life-saving assistance and care by the organisation.
Their global reach in providing aid during armed conflicts, natural disasters, and health emergencies worldwide is a celebration of the movement’s core humanitarian principles and a tribute to the millions of volunteers.
The day, May 8, also serves to celebrate the birth of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
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The Germiston Red Cross branch, which has operated in the area for over five decades, continues the global mission of providing humanitarian aid.
Speaking to Barbara Jansen, manager of the Germiston Red Cross, she said the South African Red Cross Society joined in the global movement in commemorating World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day under the theme ‘United in humanity’.
“This day provides an important opportunity to recognise the humanitarian service of millions of volunteers, staff, members and partners who continue to respond to human suffering with compassion, neutrality and dignity.
“For the South African Red Cross Society, this year’s theme is a reminder that humanity remains the foundation of all humanitarian action.
“Across the country, SARCS volunteers and staff continue to serve communities affected by disasters, public health emergencies, poverty, displacement, violence, climate-related shocks and other forms of vulnerability,” said Jansen.
As an auxiliary to public authorities in the humanitarian field, SARCS remains committed to supporting vulnerable communities through disaster response, health and care, first aid, restoring family links, youth development, community resilience, humanitarian values, and other life-saving interventions.
Jansen said over the years, Red Cross Germiston has remained at the forefront of humanitarian response efforts in communities affected by disasters.
“We have played an important role in providing aid to people who lost their belongings in shack fires in Makause informal settlement, Dukathole and other areas. However, our supplies are running low, and we are appealing for donations of mattresses, clothing and non-perishable food,” said Jansen.
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The organisation is preparing to launch free accredited training courses for about 100 students.
“The courses include home-based care, first aid and basic firefighting. Learners will not be required to pay, as the training is funded by the SETAs,” said Jansen.
She added that the courses are fully accredited and that the organisation has also expanded one of its training facilities.
“The learners will undergo training for 18 months.
“In Dukathole, we had a facility that assisted the elderly, but the Department of Social Development withdrew the funding,” said Jansen.
In recognition of the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, Molefi Takalo, secretary general/chief executive officer for the South African Red Cross Society, said this year’s commemoration comes at a time when communities across South Africa continue to face the growing impact of climate-related disasters, health risks, food insecurity, unemployment, social vulnerability and other humanitarian challenges.
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“SARCS continues to work closely with communities, public authorities, movement partners, donors and stakeholders to strengthen preparedness, response and recovery efforts.
“The society also acknowledges the vital role played by its volunteers, youth members, branches, provincial structures and partners, whose continued service enables SARCS to remain present in communities when it is needed most,” said Takalo.
“World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day reminds us that humanitarian service is not only about responding when disaster strikes, but about standing with communities before, during and after moments of crisis.
“Under the theme, United in Humanity, we honour the courage, compassion and commitment of our volunteers and staff who continue to serve communities across South Africa with dignity and care.
“Their work reflects the true spirit of the Red Cross: to alleviate human suffering wherever it is found, and to unite people around the common purpose of humanity,” said Takalo.
