Wine farms and non-profit organisations in the country have rallied behind relief efforts currently underway in KwaZulu-Natal following devastating floods in the province that has left thousands of people displaced.
Persistent, torrential rain in the province over the past few days have caused widespread damage, forcing many people to leave their homes and move to temporary shelter. More than 300 lives have been lost.
Distell, a global business representing some of SA’s leading wine brands, have donated R100 000 towards relief efforts co-ordinated by Gift of the Givers.
The first consignment of food parcels, toiletries and blankets arrived at shelters in Clermont yesterday, with more to follow soon in KwaMashu and Umlazi.
Distell Southern Africa MD Wim Buhrmann said the scale of the crisis called for all hands on deck to provide immediate relief for people gathered in temporary shelters after the flooding forced them to evacuate their homes.
“There is clearly a great need to keep people affected by the flooding warm and fed at this difficult time and we are happy to support these communities as best we can,” said Buhrmann.
“We feel it’s important to stand with the communities where our employees live and work, and where we trade, through the tough times as well as the good times.”
Distell is South Africa and Africa’s leading producer and marketer of wines, spirits and ciders, including brands like Nederburg, JC Le Roux, Durbanville Hills and Klipdrift.
ALSO READ: KZN: Farm fields washed away, a province devastated
‘Food must be their least worry’
Non-profit organisation Meals On Wheels Community Services have further pledged to provide cooked meals to all the camps where residents are currently hosted.
“Food must be the least of things that the residents worry about, especially at a time like this,” said Nelisa Mabenge, CEO..
“We are committed as an organisation to provide a meal and any other form of support during this time to assist the residents that are affected by the KZN floods.”
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