Flood Relief in Saldanha: Gift of the Givers and Government Provide Essential Aid to 600 Affected Residents

(The Post News)- Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, together with Gift of the Givers have joined hands in spearheading extensive relief efforts to approximately 600 individuals profoundly affected by recent floods in Saldanha. The informal settlement of Middelpos bore the brunt of the week-long heavy rains, with many shacks completely submerged, leaving residents displaced and in urgent need as winter approaches.

Mhlauli visited the affected area on Tuesday, July 1, to assess the ongoing disaster relief operations and to lay out the government’s comprehensive plan for sustained community support. This visit, conducted in close partnership with the renowned humanitarian aid organization Gift of the Givers, included the crucial distribution of blankets and food hampers to hundreds of residents who had gathered at the Middelpos community hall.

“We sent through the local counselors last week; we had requested them, working with the Gift of the Givers, to be able to respond immediately to the help that we had requested,” Mhlauli stated. “At the time, it was about 600 people that were affected in this particular ward, which is Middelpos. We were informed that of the relief that was dispatched last week, about 200 were not helped. That’s why we are back today to assist those 200 people.”

The Deputy Minister lauded the swift and compassionate response from local partners and church leaders, many of whom opened their places of worship to provide immediate shelter for residents on the night their homes were inundated. “We are very happy that we are also here with our local stakeholders, our church community leaders who some of them opened their churches, where people were able to, on the night that their houses were flooded, were able to sleep in those church communities,” she shared.

While the majority of displaced individuals have since returned to their homes or found temporary refuge with family, Mhlauli confirmed that the government is preparing further crucial support. The Department of Human Settlements will be returning in approximately a week to assist with the provision of temporary housing units for those whose homes were destroyed. Beyond shelter, comprehensive assistance will also be provided for affected individuals needing help with official documentation, such as IDs that were lost in the floods, and further aid will be channeled through the Department of Social Development.

Mhlauli, however, also urged officials to meticulously verify the lists of those in need, noting that some individuals have repeatedly sought assistance. This highlights a critical aspect of ensuring that aid is equitably distributed and reaches all deserving beneficiaries.

Community leader Arthur Nombewu underscored the persistent and growing needs within the community, especially as the colder months set in. “There’s still a huge need in this community. I can tell you this is the beginning of winter, the rainy season in this place,” Nombewu emphasized, painting a stark picture of the challenges faced by residents.

As the Western Cape braces for another series of cold fronts, the coordinated efforts led by Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli aim to provide immediate relief and long-term recovery for the flood-stricken Saldanha community, ensuring dignity and hope amidst adversity.