Cape Town: The Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) of the City of Cape Town is spearheading a donation drive. The drive was headed in support of their NGO partners who responded to informal settlement fires and other disasters.
It is a series of activations that will take place in the coming weeks where the public can be involved in alleviating the plight of the affected by these incidents.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that the public safety is priority and humanitarian relief in a crisis or disaster scenario is essential.
The Disaster Risk Management Centre co-ordinates the responses of the City of Cape Town to crises, but it also lean on its NGO partners to step in. The Winters took quite a toll on resources and in summer, that they are facing with the prospect of devastating fires, due to the extreme heat and windy conditions that are prevalent during this time. So, there is always a need for better humanitarian assistance.
Humanitarian relief is provided to the affected communities through collaboration between DRMC, the government departments and many other dedicated disaster relief partners.
Smith added that there are unfortunately the capacity gaps in humanitarian relief. However, they are reliant on the assistance of NGOs, considering the private donors in the provision of relief.
He stated that they are launching a donation drive to build relief capacity and supplies to assist the partners who work with them and don’t hesitate when called upon.
The first series of activations was held outside the Zevenwacht Mall Spar on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Call for donations includes non-perishable foodstuff, personal hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, face cloths, sanitary towels, nappies and baby formula as well as blankets or bedding.
Notably, the donations will enable DRM to pack grocery hampers for indigent families. These could be the ones who are affected by disaster incidents. He urged that anyone who wishes to make a donation to general relief efforts, eased the load on the City’s NGO partners, who are encouraged to do so.
The activations will take place at Kenilworth Centre – N1 City at Promenade Mall and Westgate Mall. The selected dates and times of these will be made available as soon as they are finalised.