The recent heavy rains in Kgotsong, caused damage to several informal homes.
In response, the Red Cross, Free State Disaster Management Centre, Lejweleputswa District Disaster Management Centre, and Nala Local Municipality stepped in to provide relief.
On the 28 November 2024, donations of food hampers, maize meal, blankets, and mattresses were distributed to affected families at Boneni Hall.
Claudia Mangwegape of the Red Cross said “we started by doing assessments and needs analysis. As a humanitarian organization, we concluded that the immediate relief needed included food parcels, blankets, and mattresses. Our assessments are also sent to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, which is part of the forum we belong to. After applying for the Disaster Response Emergency Fund from the International Federation of Red Cross, which was approved, we came back to Kgotsong to provide relief. We plan to return to assist the community further, with communication to be sent to affected individuals.”
The Red Cross also said their long-term plan for Nala Municipality include the establishment of an office in Nala, to assist the community.
“Our focus will include disaster risk reduction to mitigate future disasters in the area. Once launched, we will train the community and establish ward-based response teams to strengthen local resilience.”
Picture of Team Rescue Supplied