Sihle Zikalala, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, has welcomed an R1 million donation from Harmony Gold Mining employees to help the province respond to the recent floods, which have displaced over 7 600 people.
On Friday, the global mining company’s Executive Director, Mashego Mashego, handed out the donations, which included 200 mattresses, 283 blankets, 130 pillows, 242 fitted sheets, clothes, toiletries, food worth R400 000, and an R600 000 cheque.
Patrice Motsepe, the chairperson of Harmony Gold Mining, visited KwaZulu-Natal a few days after the terrible rains.
Despite difficulties caused by COVID-19, the tragic riots in July 2021, and the floods, Zikalala said the provincial government is working hard to improve the living conditions of the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
“The support we’ve received from Harmony Gold Mining employees and other stakeholders has been inspiring… throughout this time.” We also appreciate the R30 million grant from the Motsepe Foundation, which was utilised to assist our province in the burial of flood victims.
“All flood relief funds, as well as the recovery and rebuilding process, shall be spent in accordance with budgetary responsibility, accountability, transparency, and openness.” “The Department of Social Development, in collaboration with NGOs, will coordinate relief efforts to guarantee that all shelters receive assistance,” Zikalala added.
Any monetary gifts, according to Zikalala, will go to the province government’s account, which is administered by Treasury and will be completely accounted for and audited.
Mashego said the tragic floods “affected Harmony Gold Mining Company personnel, and they also wanted to provide a helping hand by contributing towards the relief” after handing over the flood relief donations at the Department of Public Works in Mayville.
“The consequences of natural disasters can be felt for a long time after they occur.” That is why we have come to help with donations made by Harmony Gold employees from all of our locations in response to a cry for help.
“The Harmony Gold family has donated a total of R1 million, with our employees providing R400 000 in blankets, bed linen, groceries, water, toiletries, and shoes. “The corporation is also providing R600,000 to the relief effort,” Mashego said.
Mashego also praised Zikalala for his leadership and for being on the ground during the floods to help flood victims.