MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday 17 July 2016
67+ Boreholes for #MandelaDay
Operation Hydrate and Awqaf South Africa, supported by, amongst others, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Department of Water and Sanitation have pledged to drill 67+ boreholes in drought stricken areas of South Africa over the coming months.
The value of the boreholes is around R7-million. A further 28 boreholes will be set-up at a cost of R3-million later this year which will take the total to 95. Former President Nelson Mandela passed away at the age of 95.
In a joint statement, the four organizations said: “We are all committed to continue assisting communities in need of water. The drought is far from over and these boreholes will go a long way in providing much needed water to communities in at least six provinces.”
CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Sello Hatang, has welcomed the initiative.
“This announcement is in line with our plans to make every day a Mandela Day.
“Water is life and these boreholes will provide thousands of liters of water to communities suffering from the drought while supporting our commitment to food security,” said Hatang.
Operation Hydrate’s Yaseen Theba, said the partnership with Awqaf SA, was the biggest single drive for boreholes this year.
“We decided to launch it on Mandela Day 2016 to keep Madiba’s legacy alive. The 67 boreholes and the additional 28 will certainly quench the thirst of thousands of people across our country. It is a long term sustainable project and we are delighted to have Awqaf as our main partner,” said Theba.
Earlier this year, Operation Hydrate and the Al-Imdaad Foundation commissioned almost 30 boreholes.
Millions of liters of drinking water was collected shortly after the launch of Operation Hydrate earlier this year. The Nelson Mandela Foundation, The Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation and Proudly SA also hosted drives which saw donations from across the country.
Social cohesion advocate, Play Your Part Ambassador and supporter of Mandela Day, Yusuf Abramjee, said: “Operation Hydrate, Awqaf SA and its partners are continuing to keep the spirit of Ubuntu alive. This borehole initiative again shows the true spirit of our citizens who donate generously and help those in need. It is heartening to see how many organizations and individuals continuing to make a difference and keeping Madiba’s legacy alive. We have to make every day a Mandela Day.”
Abramjee, who is also an Operation Hydrate Ambassador, said: “It fills us with joy to see the goodwill…we will continue to DO our bit to assist those in need.”
Awqaf SA’s Zeinoul Cajee, said the multi-million rand borehole investment was “for the people of our country.”
He said the partnership will benefit “tens of thousands of citizens in need of a basic human right.
“We at Awqaf SA remain committed to social upliftment and social cohesion through sustainable development programmmes and our humanitarian efforts will continue. We thank our donors and well-wishers for their generosity. May the Almighty bless them abundantly,” Cajee added.
Awqaf SA said: “There is a need for 1750 boreholes in high priority areas. Anyone wishing to donate towards the borehole roll out may Bank directly into Awqaf SA: NEDBANK 1469053934. REFERENCE: CELL NO/ NAME/ WATER
Boreholes cost between R70 000 and R100 000 each. They will also be rolled out at schools in affected areas. The Department of Basic Education is supporting the project.
Water and Sanitation Minister, Nomvula Mokonyane, has welcomed the announcement of the 67+ Borehole project.
“Our partnership with civil-society and the NGO’s behind this initiative has resulted in more South Africans gaining access to much needed water supplies.
“As the department we will continue to do our part as well as support these humanitarian initiatives that espouse and reflect the values that Madiba stood for,” Minister Mokonyane added.
Proudly SA as well as Brand SA under the “Play Your Part” programme is also supporting the initiative “as this is active citizens in action.”
Operation Hydrate has distributed tens of millions of liters of water since it was launched by a group of volunteers in January.
End-
Enquiries:
Yaseen Theba: cell 064 4000000
Yusuf Abramjee: cell 082 4414 203
