2 days ago
‘A call to action': Black Coffee Foundation raises R500 000 for Eastern Cape flood victims
The Black Coffee Foundation, through donations from members of the public and other organisations, has raised more than R500 000 to assist displaced flood victims in the Eastern Cape.
Additionally, the foundation has provided food parcels, warm clothing, hygiene packs, and other essentials in collaboration with other prominent organisations.
Recognising the scale of the tragedy, the Eastern Cape provincial government has scheduled a provincial day of mourning on Thursday.
As the residents of the OR Tambo and Amathole district municipalities began rebuilding their lives following the devastating floods that struck the Eastern Cape over the weekend, renowned DJ Black Coffee's foundation stepped forward in a big way. The foundation raised over R500 000 to help displaced families and communities rebuild.
'This is more than just a relief effort – it's a call to action for all of us to step up and support our communities in times of crisis,' said foundation CEO Lungile Maphumulo. 'The Eastern Cape holds a deep significance not only for the foundation but for the many people who call it home.'
The Eastern Cape, particularly Mthatha, holds personal significance for Black Coffee, the Grammy-winning DJ, as he spent part of his formative years there.
'We are grateful to our partners and to every single person who donated towards this cause. Giving back isn't just something we do – it's who we are,' Maphumulo said.
In addition to the financial aid, the foundation also worked with partners like Feed the Nation, Hollywood Foundation, Nando's, Sompire, BidAir Cargo, and NGL Logistics Group to deliver food parcels, hygiene packs, warm clothing, and other essential items to those in need.
The damage caused by the floods was staggering - Premier Oscar Mabuyane said in a statement that there were 92 confirmed fatalities – with 86 bodies positively identified and 83 collected by family members.
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Around 4 308 individuals have been left homeless across the province and are currently being accommodated in shelters.
Recovery efforts in the region are progressing, albeit slowly. While water provision has resumed in Amathole, a full restoration is still underway. Similarly, various areas in the OR Tambo district now have running water, with efforts ongoing to restore full access by the end of Sunday.
'We believe that real impact comes through sustained action,' Maphumulo said. 'This initiative is not a once-off campaign – it's part of our wider mission to continue showing up where it matters most. We understand the long road ahead for many families in Mthatha, and we intend to walk that road with them.'
Recognising the scale of the tragedy, a day of mourning is being held on in Mthatha on Thursday for those who died in the flooding.
