Absa gives humanitarian aid to storm victims
"We believe we can play a huge role in disaster resilience, response and recovery."
Absa Bank decided to help disaster management with some humanitarian aid after the devastating storm of Monday, 9 October.
On that day, at approximately 3.30pm, the first call came in of hail and severe winds at Orient Hills. The Disaster Management Centre of the West Rand District Municipality was informed that the storm was heading from Orient Hills towards Muldersdrift, as was attested to by several private calls from members of the community, indicating that the affected areas included Orient Hills, Sterkfontein, Laerskool Protearif, Laerskool Muldersdrift, Cradlestone Mall, Netcare Pinehaven Hospital, Usambara Lodge, Munsieville (Mayibuye) and Silverstar.
Banie Claassen, Absa’s Provincial Managing Executive in Gauteng South said they saw it proper as a bank to join the West Rand Municipality in a key restorative role.
Photo: Bianca Pindral
“We believe we can play a huge role in disaster resilience, response and recovery,” said Banie. The decision to provide humanitarian support was made in line with available resources and the extent of the damage. The donation included food parcels for close to 400 families, obtained by working closely with one of their key corporate partners, Pick n Pay.
“In addition to the humanitarian assistance, our primary focus is on contributing towards the rebuilding of much-needed homes and infrastructure. We know that it is important that they return to full functionality so that community life can return to normal as soon as possible.”
West Rand District Mayor, Boyce Maneli, officiated at the handover of the assistance to the residents of Mayibuye, Munsieville and Sterkfontein Dairy in Mogale City on Monday, 11 December.
