Gauteng's Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane, has commended the thousands of South Africans who have swiftly come to the aid of hundreds of Masechaba Extension 2, Duduza residents who were left homeless by a tornado on Sunday evening.
"The compassion and the spirit of ubuntu that has been displayed by South Africans of all hues to the many families who are affected by the devastating impact of the tornado, must be lauded. To those who have donated foodstuffs, blankets and their time - we thank you. It is at times such as these that one is truly humbled to lead a province of people with such empathy," Mokonyane said.
We also send our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased child, Xolani Mkatshwa. However, despite the outpouring of help from all corners of our Province, more assistance is still needed to bring some semblance of normalcy to the Duduza community.
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG), in conjunction with the Ekurhuleni Metro and the civil sector, is co-ordinating the humanitarian efforts in the area. Health and Social Development MEC, Ntombi Mekgwe, has already visited the site to undertake a needs-analysis and marshal the provincial efforts. Yesterday, following a visit by the GPG and Metro officials, the Metro announced that it had officially declared the area a disaster area.
"In order to expedite the channelling of resources to deal with the aftermath of this disaster, the mayor, in terms of his delegated powers as per section 55 (1) of the Disaster Management Act (Act 57 of 2002), has declared Masechaba Extension 2 in the Duduza area a local state of disaster," Ekurhuleni stated.
Government's interventions in Duduza to date:
- a Joint Operation Centre has been set up at the Duduza Thusong Service Centre to co-ordinate relief efforts
- plans are advanced to get the Home Affairs department to send mobile vans to assist those who lost their IDs and other documents
- people who were not yet assisted by evening were accommodated overnight at the community centre
- 40 chemical toilets have been provided in the affected area (20 at the MPCC and 20 in the greater Masechaba area)
- numerous companies have already pledged financial support
- Ekurhuleni Metro Police and SAPS are providing security in the disaster area and maintaining law and order (and ensure that residents' properties are not stolen or vandalised)
- Counselling is taking place for affected people, and the family of the deceased is being provided with temporary shelter, and
- Water tankers are provided in the affected area and an NGO has been appointed to provide food for the affected families.
Enquiries:
Xoli Mngambi
Cell: 082 373 1146
