Help Haiti, State bodies urged

2010-01-13 22:23

Johannesburg - Parliament's public enterprises committee on Wednesday called on all state-owned enterprises to help support relief efforts for Haiti.

"We feel duty-bound to support the people of Haiti as this is in line with the all-important mission of building a caring society and human solidarity," the committee's chairperson Vytjie Mentor said in a statement.

Her call followed a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti on Tuesday that was estimated to have killed tens of thousands of people.

"It is my wish that all state-owned enterprises would come to the fore and heed my call of requesting aid to assist in the Haitian disaster," Mentor said.

She hoped SOEs like South African Airways and companies that did business with it would respond to her call for water, food and blankets.

"SAA might, for instance, help with flying South African volunteers to Haiti."

A number of parastatals, including the SA Broadcasting Corporation, Eskom and SAA, have recently experienced financial difficulties.

Those wanting to help could contact Mentor on 082 879 2241.
 

- SAPA