The Minister of State Security, Ms. Ayanda Dlodlo MP, has today Monday, 30 March 2020 received donations from various businesses in the area of Secunda for the fight against the COVID 19 Outbreak.
The Minister received the donations on behalf of the Secunda Parliamentary Constituency Office, where she has been deployed as a Member of Parliament. The Secunda Parliamentary Constituency Office has since launched a wide spread community outreach and awareness campaign against the spread of the deadly corona virus in the area.
She received the donations with the Chief Whip of the Majority Party in the Mpumalanga Legislature and deployee of the Parliamentary Constituency Office, Mr. Fidel Mlombo and the Executive Mayor of Govan Mbeki Municipality, Councilor Thandi Ngconono.
Sasol donated 400 liters of sanitizer solution which has been delivered to various areas around Secunda including the Kinross Club, where a group of about 106 homeless people has been accommodated and the community of Embalenhle Township at large.
In addition, Sasol has also assisted with infrastructure for the construction of roadblocks, supply of gloves and masks in the Secunda area. Mr. Simon Baloyi, Vice President of Sasol says that “As Sasol we are pleased to have been considered for such a contribution that will make a difference and save lives, the safety of our communities closest to our operations is paramount”
The Minister thanked both Sasol the Spar Supermarket and Sabbers Supermarket in Secunda for their valued contribution towards the fight against the COVID 19 outbreak.
The Spar Supermarket has donated foodstuffs for the homeless people at the shelter and will be doing so for the duration of the lockdown.
Other essentials like soap, washing powder, bathroom necessities and blankets were donated for the homeless people shelter by Sabbers Supermarket and AME in Secunda.
The Minister says these donations will assist a great deal in the efforts of government to combat the spread of the corona virus.
She expressed her great appreciation for the partnership with local business and their commitment to support government in its efforts to fight the COVID 19 outbreak.
“This is a great partnership between business and government towards the fight against the spread of the virus. We have to harness our collective energies as society to contain the spread and such efforts are much appreciated” she said.
She also said that “a majority of our people especially in poor areas like Embalenhle do not have access to sanitizers to protect themselves and their families, in addition to all other measures like maintaining adequate social distance, washing hands regularly and complying fully with the directive of a lockdown, these initiatives will go a long way in contributing to the fight against the spread of the virus”.
She concluded by raising her concern about the apparent lack of compliance to the lockdown by the people in Secunda. “It looks like the people around the area are not heeding the call of the lockdown and that is worrisome.”
She made a prompt call to the Executive Mayor to enforce compliance through municipal police presence especially in the townships, where non compliance seems to be rife.
“I will also engage my counterparts, the Minister of Police and Defence to look into the matter of deployment in the area” she concluded.
Media enquiries can be directed to:
Mava B Scott
Spokesperson for the State Security Agency
Cell: 076 095 2350
Email: mavas@ssa.gov.za
