Online Reporter
Andile Tshuma, [email protected]
The Adventist Disaster Relief Agency (ADRA) South Africa has stepped up humanitarian assistance for displaced Zimbabwean nationals in Cape Town, providing emergency relief to vulnerable families affected by harsh winter conditions.
In a statement, the Southern African Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church said ADRA South Africa, working in partnership with the Reality 7 Foundation, recently conducted a joint needs assessment to establish the most pressing requirements of displaced Zimbabweans.
The assessment found that cold and rainy weather had worsened the plight of many migrants, including mothers who had recently given birth and families with young children, who are in urgent need of humanitarian support.
The church said assistance has been made possible through a financial contribution from philanthropist Mr Obey Chimuka.
“Through a generous financial contribution from philanthropist Obey Chimuka, ADRA South Africa has been able to provide blankets, baby supplies, and assist with buses transporting migrants to Musina,” the Southern African Union Conference said.
The Adventist organisation said the intervention seeks to address immediate humanitarian needs while supporting the safe movement of affected individuals.
It added that youth from the Seventh-day Adventist Church had also been mobilised to strengthen relief efforts.
“Pastor Laing, Youth Director of the Cape Conference Western Region, mobilised young people from the Seventh-day Adventist Church to support ADRA staff with beneficiary data capturing, ensuring an efficient and coordinated response,” the statement said.
The Southern African Union Conference said ADRA continues to work closely with community leaders and South African government officials to ensure displaced Zimbabweans receive essential assistance.
“We continue working alongside community leaders and government officials to ensure that those affected receive the care, dignity and support they need,” read the statement.
The humanitarian intervention comes as many Zimbabwean migrants as possible in South Africa continue to face difficult living conditions, with winter weather increasing the need for shelter, warm clothing and other essential supplies. ADRA said it remains committed to serving vulnerable communities through coordinated relief efforts in partnership with local stakeholders.
