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As part the concerted effort to provide government’s and other humanitarian assistance to individuals and households affected by the recent natural disasters, the Department of Social Development has thus far provided assistance to 6 256 families through the Social Relief of Distress (SRD). SRD is a temporary provision of assistance intended for persons in such dire material need that they are unable to meet their or their families' most basic needs.

Among all provinces, the highest number of households were assisted in Gauteng province, with a total of 3 355 families. The highest number of families assisted is in the Ekurhuleni region, where a total of 1000 households have received assistance. Gauteng is followed by Limpopo where we managed to intervene in 950 households. Families were helped as per the following figures per province:

Gauteng – 3 355
Eastern Cape – 653
Limpopo – 950
Northern Cape – 687
North West – 217
KwaZulu-Natal – 394

Provinces that have not as yet received requests from flood victims are Mpumalanga, Western Cape and the Free State.

In all the provinces where we have received requests, there is still a total number of 2 420 people awaiting assistance.

“The information from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) so far reveals that we have received more requests for assistance in Gauteng as compared to the other provinces. Our response thus far reflects our commitment to serve our people, especially in light of unforeseen natural disasters. We will therefore continue to accelerate our efforts to provide the much needed humanitarian relief to reach more families affected by the disasters,” says Social Development Minister, Ms Bathabile Dlamini.

The Minister commended individuals and organizations who continue to work tirelessly on the ground to restore the normal functioning of affected families and communities.

“I wish to take this opportunity to thank the business sector, faith based organisations, community based organisations, social workers and volunteers for their humanitarian relief efforts to alleviate suffering and commend them for the speed with which this was done, said Minister Dlamini.