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SA govt to co-ordinate relief
03/01/2005 16:16 - (SA)
Pretoria - The South African government has set up an inter-ministerial committee, assisted by a task team of senior officials, to co-ordinate relief efforts for countries affected by last week's tsunami disaster.
Provincial and local government minister Sydney Mufamadi, who heads the committee, urged individuals and organisations wishing to contribute to channel their donations to a central point.
This would enable the committee, having identified the areas of most critical need, to distribute the donations in the most effective way possible.
"We are not likely to make the impact required if we donate in a disparate manner," he told reporters in Pretoria.
Those wishing to make financial contributions should do so to a Red Cross fund set up specifically to aid tsunami-stricken countries.
The account, number 4052598774, was based at Absa's Heerengracht, Cape Town branch. "Asia Appeal" should be used as a deposit reference.
Those able to make contributions of items like blankets, clothes, water purification tablets and medical supplies should contact the government's natural disaster management centre at (012) 334-0853.
Several organisations have already established relief funds, but Mufamadi said co-ordination was required "to maximise the impact of the assistance we will be giving".
He called on non-governmental bodies and the private sector to designate representatives to participate in the activities of the inter-departmental task team.
It comprised officials from the departments of provincial and local government, foreign affairs, health, water affairs and social development. The ministers responsible for these departments sat on the inter-ministerial committee.
The death toll in the earthquake-induced tsunami disaster in south east Asia was nearing 150 000 by Monday - including thousands of foreign tourists. The giant waves also hit several east African countries.
South Africa has to date received requests for assistance from Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Thailand, Mufamadi said.
The government would hold discussions with airlines like SAA and the SA National Defence Force with a view to putting in place mechanisms for the transportation of donations, Mufamadi said.
Thursday's conference would also inform South Africa's involvement in long-term reconstruction and development efforts in affected countries, led by organisations like the United Nations, he added.
Mufamadi said no requests for help had been received from Africa, but this would nevertheless be considered.
"One doesn't wait for a neighbour whose house is on fire to request help," he said.
- SAPA
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