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afrol.com, 28 July - "In a sterling example of public-private partnerships at work, yesterday the National Emergency Relief Fund (NERF) handed over 2.000.000 Rand to The Command Centre for the erection of temporary shelters for displaced flood victims at Mkuze in the Lebombo area of KwaZulu-Natal," the South African Command Centre today stated. The NERF was set up to administer the money donated by caring South Africans to assist victims of the summer floods. This donation to communities who are in dire need, will go a long way towards sheltering displaced families who are living in cramped tents in Mkuze and surrounding areas. Chaired by the highly respected Dr Aggrey Klaaste, the NERF board is made up of luminaries like; Saki Macozoma, Ms Barbara Masekela, Dr N Motlana, Mr Chris Liebenberg, Rev Charity Majiza, Andrew Makenete, His Majesty Ngwenyama Mayisha, Mr O Ahmed, Mrs Adelaide Tambo and Mr B van Zyl. Another Good Samaritan, Mr Charles Senekal, a farmer and businessman in Mkuze, has made available 2 hectares of his land for the erection of 80 temporary shelters, at no cost to The Command Centre for a period of two years. Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu who leads The Command Centre said, "When I first heard of Mr Senekal's offer, I did not believe it. Upon closer reflection though, it struck me that it is the selfless gestures of good hearted people like Mr Senekal and members of the NERF which actively build the society we all dream of. They not only worry about their less fortunate fellow South Africans, but go the extra mile and do something about it by giving, genuinely reinforcing my faith in our people. As the government, our hand and our ability to uplift the vulnerable is strengthened by these kinds of partnerships. At the end of the day, the hapless flood victims will know, and more importantly, feel that all of us are concerned about their plight." The manner in which ordinary South Africans have dug deep into their pockets and donated the money which the NERF is disbursing, together with Mr Senekal's kind deed moved Mr Tim Moodley, Chairperson of the Mkuze Advisory Council to say; "We need more people like Mr Charles Senekal who has displayed such incredible community spirit and feeling for the disadvantaged. All of us must work towards racial harmony, and one of the sure ways to achieve it is through sharing. I am convinced that Mkuze will grow from strength to strength and set an enviable example for other South Africans." The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will spearhead the building of the temporary shelters in Mkuze. Their role will be pivotal to the success of the project, as they will make available a platoon of 40 engineers and other army personnel who have already been trained in the construction of these units. Some members have already been deployed on the ground and are presently busy conducting the technical surveying and engineering work. It is envisaged that they will also make use of local labour in the carrying out of this project. The units, which will be 20m2 will provide shelter from the elements and privacy which will help restore the dignity of the flood victims. The units should be ready for occupation by the end of August. This target is in line with The Command Centre's objective of ensuring that all flood victims are housed in temporary shelter before the next summer rains The spirit of ubuntu which drives the relief efforts in Mkuze is in stark contrast to the acrimony surrounding a similar venture in Leeuwkop, Gauteng which has been brought to a temporary halt through the granting of a court interdict brought by some neighbouring residents.
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