Latest news with #GiftoftheGivers
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Eastern Cape floods will not be used as a get-rich-quick scheme, says acting premier
The damage of the floods is estimated to be around R4 billion. Eastern Cape Finance MEC and Acting Premier Mlungisi Mvoko has cautioned that funds allocated to assist victims of recent devastating floods should not be misused for personal gain. A memorial service was held in Decoligny village, Mthatha, on Thursday following the loss of more than 90 lives due to heavy rains that swept across the province last week. The floods, which struck the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities, have left many families displaced. Temporary shelters have since been set up, and essential items such as meals, clothing and hygiene products are being distributed to affected communities. Eastern Cape floods: Government pledges support Speaking at Thursday's memorial, Mvoko reaffirmed government's commitment to supporting those impacted by the disaster. 'Premier Oscar Mabuyane said this day shouldn't be for long speeches, but he said I should leave words of hope and the government's commitment in helping the victims of the disaster,' he said. The MEC highlighted the severe impact the floods have had on infrastructure across the province. 'The relentless rain, roaring winds and floodwaters have taken their toll not just on our infrastructure, but also on our people, our communities and our collective sense of safety. ALSO READ: Eastern Cape floods: Police vow to 'wake morals' of looters 'The floods have tested us, but rest assured, we will rebuild the affected communities. 'More than 4 300 people have been affected by the recent disaster in our province. Households are destroyed. More than 4 200 households have been destroyed.' According to Mvoko, 1 963 households have suffered partial roof damage. Additionally, over 400 schools have been affected, with more than 1 500 classrooms damaged – impacting over 40 000 pupils. 'We have not listed damaged roads, bridges, hospitals and water infrastructure, but for now we estimate the damage to be around R4 billion.' Watch the memorial below: 'Get-rich-quick scheme' With the Eastern Cape officially declared a disaster zone, Mvoko condemned those attempting to exploit the tragedy for personal or financial gain – a possible reference to reports of 'water mafias' obstructing the work of humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers. 'We have observed acts of cruelty where individuals want to benefit from this disaster…. People want to take advantage of disaster zones. They want to be the ones who benefit.' He stressed that corruption in the disbursement of aid would not be tolerated. READ MORE: Eastern Cape floods: Police vow to 'wake morals' of looters 'This tragedy should not and will not be used as a get-rich-quick scheme, where there are people who want to see money from the disaster. 'Any funds dedicated to it will be used prudently to help our people rebuild their lives. 'We ask representatives of government that when the money is received, which is meant to help people, it should be used for what it is intended for.' Mvoko further urged individuals to refrain from misusing or hoarding relief supplies, emphasising that food parcels should not be taken for themselves. Eastern Cape floods death toll Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane described the disaster as 'unprecedented,' with the current death toll at 92. 'We are deeply saddened by the horrific human tragedy,' she said. 'We don't want to count more numbers of people who have departed, but we appreciate that it is important for families to find closure,' Simelane continued. The minister said that efforts to restore water and electricity services are ongoing in the affected parts of the Eastern Cape, excluding the areas still too wet for access. 'The Department of Home Affairs is still on site giving assistance to all community members who need their paperwork,' Simelane added. She further confirmed that some pupils had returned to school. Additionally, public infrastructure, such as bridges, are being rebuilt. NOW READ: 'This is a catastrophic disaster': Ramaphosa visits devastated families after deadly EC floods
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Gift of the Givers threatened by ‘water mafia' while providing aid to Eastern Cape flood victims
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, humanitarian and founder of Gift of the Givers, is undeterred by the threats by they received from the "water mafia" while providing aid-relief to the Eastern Cape's flood victims. Image: Armand Hough/ Independent Newspapers IT SEEMS that "water mafia's" greed knows no bounds, not even the devastating floods that claimed the lives of 90 people in the Eastern Cape can melt their hearts. This after humanitarian aid organisation Gift of the Givers' volunteers were intimidated while delivering essential water supplies to the affected residents of Mthatha. In the wake of the intimidation the organisation's drivers had endured, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder and chairman of Gift of the Givers, fired back at the perpetrators saying that they were "not afraid", and they would continue to serve the needs of community, with the backing of the government and communities. Sooliman detailed the alarming encounters faced by their drivers who were met with threats while transporting much-needed water. 'Given the hardships and difficulties of the people and the fact that 90 people have passed on, the behaviour of the water mafia is totally disgusting,' he declared. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Gift of the Givers teams are now being escorted by police and security officials when delivering water to residents in Mthatha. Image: Gift of the Givers Dr Sooliman appreciates the swift action taken by the South African Police Service (SAPS), which provided a convoy escort—flanked by police vehicles both in front of and behind the charity's water tankers—to ensure safe passage for their operations. 'The situation has completely calmed down. However, we are calling on the community of Mthatha to help us locate a black Toyota Fortuner from which the threat was made; this person needs to be arrested,' he urged. In a bold statement, Sooliman addressed the perpetrators directly, declaring, 'This is a message to all water mafia: we will take you on wherever you are. Gift of the Givers is not afraid of anyone. We have the support of the government, SAPS, SANDF, and above all, we have the support of the communities and the municipalities.' He expressed resolve against those who exploit others' suffering and insisted that 'profiteering from the hardships of people has to stop.' The situation drew the attention of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who reacted strongly to the intimidation tactics targeted at Gift of the Givers. He stated, 'It is alleged that members of a so-called 'water mafia' reportedly linked to service providers contracted by the OR Tambo District Municipality threatened Gift of the Givers staff as they distributed clean drinking water to residents impacted by the recent floods.' During a recent visit to Mthatha, Mchunu expressed gratitude to the police for their efforts during the crisis and firmly condemned any attempts to obstruct humanitarian work. 'The police will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or obstruct those who are working tirelessly to save lives and bring relief to our people,' he asserted. Mchunu noted that any attack on Gift of the Givers was not merely an attack on an organisation but on the very values of Ubuntu that underpin South African society. Further emphasising the commitment to public safety, the Minister assured that law enforcement would act decisively against these threats and also revealed disturbing reports of theft targeting the homes of flood victims. 'We have also been made aware of individuals who go to the homes of those who lost their lives due to these floods, with a view to committing acts of theft,' he warned. Police forces are deployed to ensure the safety of these properties and safeguard the dignity of the deceased and their families. Dr Sooliman welcomed the backing from the Minister and reiterated the significant need for supportive community action to curb such heinous behaviour. DAILY NEWS
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Bavuma: Proteas win sinks in
Here's your daily news update for Wednesday, 18 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. News today includes returning home to a rapturous welcome from fans on Wednesday, captain Temba Bavuma said the magnitude of the Proteas team's achievement in London last week had only really sunk in when he and his squad entered the arrivals hall at OR Tambo International. Meanwhile, a total of 13 cars and a tour bus linked to the controversial businesswoman Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize are set to be auctioned online next week. Furthermore, South Africa is one step closer to hosting a Formula One Grand Prix. But Kyalami Grand Prix circuit owner Toby Venter has put a damper on celebrations, citing a lack of commitment from government. Weather tomorrow: 19 June 2025 Damaging waves are expected between the Western and Eastern Cape, while very cold weather continues to grip parts of the Western Cape's interior as well as the Northern Cape. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Proteas 'overwhelmed' by welcome from fans, says captain Bavuma Returning home to a rapturous welcome from fans on Wednesday, captain Temba Bavuma said the magnitude of the Proteas team's achievement in London last week had only really sunk in when he and his squad entered the arrivals hall at OR Tambo International. Bavuma admitted the Proteas were taken aback by the thousands of people who turned up at the airport to welcome the team home after they won the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's four days earlier. Proteas captain Temba Bavuma and top-order batter Aiden Markram interacting with fans after returning home from the World Test Championship final in London. Picture: Alet Pretorius/Gallo Images The victory ensured they ended a 27-year trophy drought for the national cricket side, who last won a championship final at the 1998 Champions Trophy tournament. CONTINUE READING: Proteas 'overwhelmed' by welcome from fans, says captain Bavuma Police deployed to protect Gift of the Givers workers from water mafia in Eastern Cape Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has condemned threats made against humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers while they were providing assistance to flood-affected communities in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. The incident prompted both national and local government to denounce the criminal opportunism targeting disaster relief efforts. Eastern Cape floods. Picture: X/@CliffShiko Members of an alleged 'water mafia' reportedly connected to service providers contracted by the OR Tambo District Municipality allegedly threatened Gift of the Givers staff on Saturday, 14 June 2025, as they distributed clean drinking water to flood victims. CONTINUE READING: Police deployed to protect Gift of the Givers workers from water mafia in Eastern Cape Sars strikes: MaMkhize's luxury cars up for auction A total of 13 cars and a tour bus linked to the controversial businesswoman Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize are set to be auctioned online next week. Bids for the 14 vehicles are welcome from 27 June to 2 July 2025. Among the luxury cars is a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S680 Maybach Edition 100, one of only 100 made worldwide. Picture: Bidders Choicer website. Some of the cars set to be auctioned, including the tour bus, still have Royal AM Football Club's branding on the sides. The soccer club, formerly known as Bloemfontein Celtics, was bought by Mkhize in 2021 and moved to KwaZulu-Natal. CONTINUE READING: Sars strikes: MaMkhize's luxury cars up for auction Sundowns off to winning start at Club World Cup Mamelodi Sundowns beat Ulsan HD 1-0 in their opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup at the Inter & Co Stadium on Tuesday. Iqraam Rayners scored the only goal of the match in what was an entertaining game between the two teams. Iqraam Rayners of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates his goal at Cape Town Stadium on 3 May 2025 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix Rayners also had a goal disallowed due to offside against the Korean Republic outfit. The game was delayed by over an hour due to adverse weather conditions in Orlando, Florida. CONTINUE READING: Sundowns off to winning start at Club World Cup Kyalami closer to hosting F1, but government 'not playing its part' South Africa is one step closer to hosting a Formula One Grand Prix. But Kyalami Grand Prix circuit owner Toby Venter has put a damper on celebrations, citing a lack of commitment from government. Venter announced on Wednesday that the FIA has approved the proposed upgrades Kyalami requires to host a Formula One race for the first time since 1993 and has been granted a three-year window to comply. He is confident the upgrades, for which the circuit will foot the bill – estimated to be between R90- and R180-million – and set to take three months, can be completed before the end of the year. An artistic impression of the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit hosting an F1 race with new stands and hospitality areas around the track. Picture: Supplied But Venter stopped short of predicting a date for F1's big return, saying that 'government needs to engage with Formula One to make it happen like they do all over the world'. This, according to the Kyalami boss, is something that is required in addition to the Bid Steering Committee set up by Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, which must consider bids for the F1 race. CONTINUE READING: Kyalami closer to hosting F1, but government 'not playing its part' Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Thabo Bester trial chaos | NW foot-and-mouth outbreak | Proteas meet and greet
The South African
3 days ago
- The South African
Gift of the Givers staff threatened by Eastern Cape 'water mafia'
The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu has condemned the threats and intimidation directed at humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers while delivering lifesaving assistance to flood-affected communities in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. Inclement weather conditions that had been forecast wreaked havoc in parts of the Eastern Cape last week. As a result, hundreds of people were displaced as they had to be evacuated from their flooded homes, while water and electricity infrastructure were also damaged. At least 90 people have been confirmed dead. According to the police, it is alleged that members of a so-called 'water mafia' reportedly linked to service providers contracted by the OR Tambo District Municipality, threatened Gift of the Givers staff as they distributed clean drinking water to residents impacted by the recent floods. In condemning the incident, Mchunu said police will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or obstruct those who are working tirelessly to save lives and bring relief to people. Mchunu said the Gift of the Givers has consistently been a source of hope and dignity to South Africans in their hour of need. 'Any attack on them is an attack on the very principle of ubuntu. No individual or group will be allowed to profiteer off disaster or compromise the safety and well-being of our people. Law enforcement will act decisively. 'The SAPS will ensure the safety of all humanitarian workers in the area, and hold those responsible fully accountable under the law. We have also been made aware of individuals who go to the homes of those who lost their lives due to these floods, with a view to committing acts of theft from these homes. Police have been deployed to ensure the safety of the property of the deceased.' In response, the OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape said it is appalled and deeply disturbed by the threats directed towards officials of the Gift of the Givers Foundation. 'We wish to state without fear that extortion is a crime and it is a moral betrayal of the highest order, especially when directed at those extending a hand to the helpless. To prey on a crisis is to turn pain into profit. It is merciless, and it will not be tolerated,' the municipality said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Gift of the Givers faces intimidation from 'water mafia' during flood relief efforts
Gift of the Givers teams are now being escorted to deliver water to residents in Mthatha. Image: Gift of the Givers Humanitarian aid organisation, Gift of the Givers, which has been pivotal in assisting those affected by the floods in the Eastern Cape, are being intimidated by 'water mafia'. Speaking to IOL, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder and chairman of Gift of the Givers, said members of the 'water mafia' have been trying to intimidate its drivers while delivering life-saving water to the people of Mthatha who have been severely affected by the recent floods. 'Given the hardships and difficulties of the people and the fact that 90 people have passed on, the behaviour of the water mafia is totally disgusting. We appreciate the fact that the SAPS acted immediately by sending out a convoy (vehicle in front and behind) our water tankers. The situation has completely calmed down. However, we are calling on the community of Mthatha to help us locate a black [Toyota] Fortuner. It is the Fortuner from which the threat was made; this person needs to be arrested,' Dr Sooliman said. He also issued a stern warning for the 'water mafia'. Humanitarian and founder of Gift of the Givers, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman. Image: Armand Hough/ Independent Newspapers Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'This is a message to all water mafia: we will take you on wherever you are. Gift of the Givers is not afraid of anyone. We have the support of the government, SAPS, SANDF, and above all, we have the support of the communities and the municipalities. When it comes to assisting people in dire need, as is the case in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, this kind of heinous behaviour has to stop. Profiteering from the hardships of people has to stop. We hope we are provided support in all areas where the water mafia is capitalising,' he said. Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, also strongly condemns the threats and intimidation directed at Gift of the Givers. 'It is alleged that members of a so-called 'water mafia' reportedly linked to service providers contracted by the OR Tambo District Municipality, threatened Gift of the Givers staff as they distributed clean drinking water to residents impacted by the recent floods,' Mchunu said. Mchunu was in Mthatha at the weekend to engage with and thank members of the SAPS for their efforts during the floods, which have, to date, claimed 90 lives and displaced hundreds more. 'The police will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or obstruct those who are working tirelessly to save lives and bring relief to our people. Gift of the Givers has consistently been a source of hope and dignity to South Africans in their hour of need. Any attack on them is an attack on the very principle of Ubuntu. No individual or group will be allowed to profiteer off disaster or compromise the safety and well-being of our people. Law enforcement will act decisively,' Mchunu said. He further stated the SAPS will ensure the safety of all humanitarian workers in the area and hold those responsible fully accountable under the law. 'We have also been made aware of individuals who go to the homes of those who lost their lives due to these floods, with a view to committing acts of theft from these homes. Police have been deployed to ensure the safety of the property of the deceased,' Mchunu added. Dr Sooliman welcomed the backing by the minister. IOL
