Chinese government comes to aid of some KZN residents battered by floods

JOHANNESBURG - The Chinese government has come to the aid of some KwaZulu-Natal residents battered by floods in parts of the province.

This was after the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) confirmed a donation to the value of R1 million had been made by Chinese officials.

It was handed over by a Chinese embassy official during the official launch of the winter season disaster awareness campaign held in Mandeni on Friday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, COGTA MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi said the aid would go a long way in disaster relief.

“It brings me great joy that we didn’t come empty handed today. We were able to bring some relief with us today to assist the communities that are affected in this area. We have blankets, sponges, food and other essentials. 

“We didn’t come alone. We have with us an official from the Chinese embassy who is part of the great work done through this donation of food to the value of R1 Million.”

He said the provincial government is working around the clock to help communities hit by disaster to rebuild.

“They will be able to use the disaster relief funds allocated by national government to rebuild infrastructure damaged by disasters. They must be able to use the aid to communities affected by disaster and not for the municipalities’ other needs.”