Although Discovery Health pledged R1 million to keep the 24hour Suicide Prevention Hotline running, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) operational director Casey Chambers says the organisation still needs more funds.
“The hotline wouldn’t have closed down completely, it would’ve had to substantially reduce its operating hours or change to a paid line to reduce costs by the end of March.
“The donation would also help the non-profit organisation to cover other running costs, such as internet, security and utilities for the next year.”
Democratic Alliances (DA) Gauteng MEC Shadow for Health Jack Bloom who recently visited their offices in Rivonia in north Johannesburg says he was most impressed by the good work done by volunteers who answer calls from people at a crisis point in their lives.
“Their annual running costs are about R1 million, which includes a monthly telephone bill between R40 000 and R60 000 for their 24 hour toll-free line.”
Despite Discovery’s generosity, Bloom said donations would still be welcomed.
“When they started in 1994, then Health Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma helped them with funds, but they are now totally dependent on private donors to keep going.
“Their suicide hotline cannot be allowed to fail because of a loss of funds,” he said.
Bloom said, “I have personally donated R1000 and challenge others to do the same.
“Donations can be made through their website at www.sadag.org.
“I will appeal to the Gauteng Health Department to provide to help them, but private donors will always be needed and should come forward now.”
