MERCEDES-Benz South Africa (MBSA) sent a disaster response team, with the support of the Gift of the Givers’ Foundation, to assist victims of the recent flash floods in East London. Humanitarian aid valued at R800,000 was provided to various beneficiaries from affected families in Mdantsane and Duncan Village.
“At Mercedes-Benz South Africa we don’t only build cars, we build communities too,” said CEO and Executive Director of Manufacturing Operations, Andreas Engling.
“It has been a difficult time for our communities due to the recent flash floods and we would be remiss as a company to ignore the devastation. In the spirit of Ubuntu, we have collaborated with the Gift of the Givers to assist with the clean-up operations as well as to provide much needed relief to affected families,” Engling added.
Approximately 387 pupils from Mdantsane and Duncan Village received hygiene packs, school uniforms, school shoes and essential stationery. In addition, 1400 food parcels valued at over R500,000 were distributed to their families and others in the two areas.
Gift of the Givers Founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman described the floods as a source of “deep anguish” for the community, striking as they did on the “eve” of the new school year.
“New Year symbolises hope, fresh beginnings and positivity but these children suffered immense emotional distress witnessing their clothing, school uniforms and stationery wash away in the raging flood waters. Purchasing them at the outset was a huge financial challenge, purchasing for the second time, impossible.”
Sooliman praised MBSA for being a “community-oriented partner… who without hesitation came to the rescue,” contributing the funding for the stationery, uniforms and food parcels.
