Johannesburg - The operation Hydrate water collection and distribution campaign, which was started three weeks ago, has received a welcome boost in the form of support from The Nelson Mandela Foundation and Proudly South Africa.
The three organisations are joining forces to provide drinking water to those suffering under the throes of the worst drought in 100 years.
Operation Hydrate co-ordinator, Yaseen Theba, said over 3 million litres of drinking water had already been delivered to drought-ravaged communities in provinces such as the Free State, Eastern Cape and North West.
“But it’s unfortunately not enough. While we work on long-term strategies for drought relief and water provision, we cannot ignore the immediate needs of South Africans who are dying of thirst. We need to all continue to join hands to ensure that we get water to where it’s most needed,” he said.
The three organisations would be holding a water drive from 9am to 5pm from Friday to Sunday.
Individuals and organisations were encouraged to drop off sealed five litre bottles of drinking water at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton, during the drive.
No tap or borehole water would be accepted in line with health and safety regulations. Operation Hydrate’s Yusuf Abramjee said: “A local water company, Thirsti, will also be selling bottles of water on site at cost price, for those who wish to visit the foundation on the day and contribute to the humanitarian cause. A 5 litre bottle will be sold at R10 and a box will cost R40. Only cash will be accepted on site.”
“We urge the public to come out in their thousands to the centre, bringing water or cash to buy water for those in need. Let’s continue to quench the thirst of millions of fellow citizens. Let’s make every day a Mandela Day.”
Sello Hatang, chief executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, reiterated Abramjee’s plea.”Operation Hydrate is a call for all of us to respond to keeping Nelson Mandela’s legacy alive. Every drop counts,” he said.
The Star visited various parts of North West last week and spoke to farmers and locals who have been crippled by the harsh effects of the drought. Many have had no rainfall at all in the past nine months and have lost cattle and game.
They are facing the very real possibility of having to stop operations on their farms.
The full stories and photos will be published in The Star tomorrow and Wednesday.
@Gabi_Falanga
The Star
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