Response to massive flooding in Southern Africa

Media Statement – 26th January 2011

Response to massive flooding in Southern Africa

On behalf of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa I wish to express my sadness and shock at the recent loss of human life as well as homes, businesses crops, all of which have occurred as a result of the unusually heavy rains in recent weeks.

It is devastating to watch the TV reports night after night as communities along with government struggle to bring some degree of normalcy back into the lives of those in affected areas.

Reports indicate that more than 100 people have died across Southern Africa, although the final death tally has not been confirmed yet. In in Mozambique indications are that about 40,000 people have been forced from their homes. In the Caprivi region of Namibia, people have also been forced to leave their homes.

In South Africa, Social Development Minister Bathibile Dlamini’s staff have said that some 20 000 people, or about 5 000 families, have been affected. We have also seen preliminary reports by the Department of Social Development that the recent floods across seven provinces of South Africa could have caused as much as R160-billion worth of infrastructure damage.

This is more than our governments can address, in spite of their best efforts. I want to encourage the business community, churches and other religious organizations to assist in every possible way, including monetary and in kind donations. Natural disasters such as these floods call on each of us and all of us to reach out to those most affected. It is an opportunity to show the true spirit of ubuntu.

I appeal to Anglicans in dioceses across Southern Africa to assist in all possible ways, with those in areas most affected taking the lead. Individuals or groups wishing to donate to a central location can do so through the Anglican provincial disaster relief fund:

Bank: Standard Bank of SA Ltd

Branch: Cape Town

Branch IBT Code: 02 0009

Account number: 07 007 8394

Account name: CPSA Disaster Relief

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba issued this as he left for Ireland where he will attend the meeting of the Primates of the Anglican Communion. He will return to Cape Town on Tuesday, 1st February.

Issued by the Office of the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town