Churches involved in urgent relief for cyclone Idai survivors

This partnership stems from the fact that this disaster will require the highest level of mobilisation possible.

The South African Council of Churches (SACC), Red Cross South Africa, Hope Worldwide, and other civil society partners have been involved in consolidated and urgent relief efforts to help survivors of cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.

Red Cross South Africa CEO Lindel Papiyah said ahead of a planned media briefing: “We are partnering with the churches because this is a disaster that will require the highest level of mobilisation possible, and churches have that footprint and goodwill.”

Cyclone Idai has wreaked havoc on Beira and surrounding areas of Mozambique, resulting in loss of communication, damage, and destruction to shelter and settlements, health and water/sanitation facilities and thousands of hectares of standing crops, communication infrastructure, with loss of life and injury.

SACC’s Bishop Mpumlwana said: “We know that many more people will die from disease resulting from this tragedy, far more than those lives taken by the cyclone itself. Human lives will need to recalibrate in the new reality, including dealing with hundreds of children orphaned in this disaster.

“This is an urgent but long term joint effort by us as churches and civil society to help our neighbours that will require consistency of commitment.”

Deloitte has joined the partnership, bringing in pro bono audit support to the fund that is being launched.

Deloitte CEO, Lwazi Bam said: “We have been looking for civil society partners to respond to this disaster, and are happy to have the partnership with the SACC and faith-based organisations. We shall be calling on all our associates to participate in this noble endeavour.”

– African News Agency