Issued by the Presidency
31 July 2002
President Thabo Mbeki last night, Tuesday July 30, declared the heavy snow and rain that occurred in the Province of the Eastern Cape and caused severe damage and loss in the Magisterial Districts of Cala, Ugie, Elliot, Indwe and Barkley East to be a disaster, in terms of Section 26 of the Fund-Raising Act of 1978 (Act No 107 of 1978).
Snow and rain damaged houses, businesses, properties and farm stock in these Magisterial Districts of the Chris Hani Municipality. In addition to damage to an estimated 3 000 houses, the snow also destroyed seven schools, fifty businesses and six churches in the area.
The President extended his sincerest and deepfelt sympathy to all affected by the disaster, and expressed the hope that everything possible would be done to alleviate the suffering.
For more information, contact Bheki Khumalo on 083 256 9133 and/or Mbulelo Musi on 082 904 3395