Pretoria - South Africa has handed over a R1 million cheque to help quake-ravaged Haiti in its recovery process.
With the barrage of problems facing that country in the aftermath of the January earthquake, that country is now battling a cholera outbreak.
"It is our wish that South Africa's modest contribution would ... [go towards] addressing this scourge, as it is known that cholera could effectively be treated if properly coordinated and addressed," said International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister, Marius Fransman, during the handover ceremony on Wednesday.
The donation was made through the World Health Organisation, and was accepted by WHO representative, Dr Stella Anyangwe.
"It is inspiring to find a country with its various challenges opening its heart to offer help to the most vulnerable outside its borders," she said.
Anyangwe painted a scene of the desperation which continued to grip that country.
"This fund from South Africa is crucial because there is currently a need for clean water and food ... Whatever our small contributions, they all make a difference to destitute pregnant women and children of Haiti."
Fransman said South Africa would not let up in its efforts to help Haiti, especially after Hurricane Tomas recent hit that country, leaving 21 dead and 6 000 people homeless.
The cholera outbreak was the first recorded in 50 years. To date, 19 646 have been confirmed to be suffering from cholera.
According to the Fransman, the death toll stands at about 1 344.
He said government noted with concern the United Nations' finding that less than 10 percent of the funds needed for the cholera outbreak had been received.
Another worry was the outbreak of violence and its impact on the delivery of much needed emergency aid to vulnerable people.
"We wish to express our desire for all to work together during this difficult time to ensure that the human dignity of all people is protected.
"As South Africa, we believe that the answer to the enormous challenge of Haiti is to be found in a continued international response to the identified needs of Haiti," he said.
South Africa pledged to contribute R5 million to the reconstruction efforts of Haiti. Already, R2.5 million has been received through a South African Broadcasting Corporation-hosted telethon. The funds will be contributed to the United Nations Development Fund to be used in Haiti.
The January earthquake claimed an estimated 200 000 lives, leaving over 300 000 injured.
During that period, South Africa contributed R1 million to Rescue South Africa and its search-and-rescue team which visited Haiti to search for quake survivors.
The International Relations Department contributed a further R2.1 million to humanitarian assistance activities of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, World Food Organisation and the International Organisation for Migration.
