Local community unites to help others in need

LYDENBURG – An astounding 12 500 litres of water was collected this past weekend by Lydenburg High School, for drought stricken areas in South Africa.

The project was launched by the youth committee and the leaders of the school.

Ms Charlaine Joubert, the marketing and public relations manager, told the newspaper that the school initially aimed to collect 10 000 litres. “The school ended up collecting 12 500 litres. The water was transported to Jacaranda FM’s offices in Midrand at no charge by Hannes Bothma of Lydenburg Meubelvervoer,” she said.

Joubert said there was a huge traffic jam when Bothma arrived at the drop off point at the Jacaranda studios.

“He walked in and asked if he could drop the water off at one of the water points listed on their relief programme. Without any hesitation, he then drove all the way to Winburg in the Free State. We would like to thank each and every individual, business and mine that contributed to the success of the project. A huge thank you also to Bothma. He really went out of his way to deliver the much-needed water,” she said.

We would like to thank each and every individual, business and mine that contributed to the success of the project. A huge thank you also to Bothma. He really went out of his way to deliver the much-needed water,” she said.

One of the youth leaders who worked timelessly on the project, Annemi Steyn, said that they heard about the Jacaranda water-relief programme on the radio.

“We had spoken about gathering feed and sending it to farmers in need, but when this opportunity came up, we immediately made use of it. I spoke to the principal, Mr Johan Loots, about it and from there we were on a roll. Lydenburg Primary, our school and the churches sent out mass SMSes to reach as many people as we could,” she said.

Steyn said it was only then that they realised the extent of the problems in North West and the Free State.

“We have so much and that is why we have to give as much as we can. For us it is bad when we don’t have water for a day or two, but for those people to go without water for weeks is terrible. I cannot fathom how they must feel.”

She said the project made a huge impact on her regarding the kindness of people.

“We collected 12 500 litres. Some of the youth-committee members voluntarily spent the whole weekend collecting water. Businesses transported the water, people brought bakkies full of water and to crown it all, Bothma of Lydenburg Meubelvervoer sponsored a large truck to transport it. To get such a reaction in a mere three days was an unbelievable experience. I would also like to thank everyone who contributed. Whether it was a call, a bottle of water or in transporting it. I am truly proud to be part of this community,” she concluded.