Johannesburg - Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini has thanked those South Africans who have helped raise more than R168 million to provide assistance to those affected by the recent floods.
Speaking at a briefing on Tuesday afternoon, Dlamini said efforts aimed at assisting the victims had produced positive results.
The Disaster Relief Board set aside R48 million, the business sector pledged R70 million and the National Lottery Board donated R50 million.
Government recently declared seven provinces and 33 municipalities disaster areas. The Inter-Ministerial Committee set up to deal with the disaster, headed by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Sicelo Shiceka, has put the cost of the damage at over a billion rand.
"At present, the relief work in the affected areas is being carried out intensively and in good order. We appreciate and welcome humanitarian assistance provided by our social partners in various forms, whether at governmental or non-governmental level," the minister said.
Dlamini, however, appealed to South Africans to remain united in support of those communities affected by the floods and who are still in need of help.
"We remain confident that under the leadership of our government and with the strong support of the business sector, civil society and faith based organisations, we will eventually overcome various difficulties and win this battle against the disaster with our unified dedication and arduous efforts," the minister said.
She said about 20 000 people have been affected by the floods and are receiving assistance. The floods have left many families homeless and washed away infrastructure.
Government has prioritised humanitarian relief, the repair and upgrading of public infrastructure, agricultural relief in the form of equipment, livestock and crops and repairs to damaged houses.
Also speaking on Tuesday was Social Development's Director General Vusi Madonsela, who earlier met with members of the South African Social Security Agency to discuss the department's short and long term humanitarian responses to the floods and other natural disasters.
According Madonsela government is ready to deal with any disaster situation. "We are happy that the situation is under control and all the affected people are receiving assistance in the form of food and other necessities," he said.
