The South African Government has been monitoring the dire consequences of the disastrous earthquake that struck Turkey on the morning of 17 August 1999, and is continuing to share in the Turkish people's grief. On the same day, a letter of condolence was forwarded to Turkish President Suleyman Demirel from President Thabo Mbeki expressing the shock and sorrow of the South African Government and People concerning the earthquake.
Further to this, the Government has now decided to donate a token amount, which is indicative of the South African People's heartfelt sympathy to the People of Turkey, to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and UNICEF for assistance to survivors of the earthquake in Turkey.
Medical Rescue International in conjunction with the South African Action for World Evangelism has sent a team of specialists to Turkey. The South African Government provided them with an official letter of support and expressed its appreciation for their humanitarian efforts.
South African companies such as Carewell Management International and Novate Industries, other institutions, and private citizens, are donating cash, various types of emergency supplies and equipment to Turkey. The possibility of a consignment of clothing for the survivors of the earthquake, flown free of charge by Turkish Airlines, is being looked into. These efforts to assist the survivors of the earthquake in their hour of need are not only praised by the Government, but also carries its full support.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Pretoria
27 AUGUST 1999