South Africa tops Africa in offering support to quake-hit Turkey

South African non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have to this point offered in-kind support amounting to roughly 1.2 million {dollars} for these affected by the Kahramanmaraş-based earthquakes that occurred on 6 February.

Extending its hand of friendship to Turkey from at the very least 10 thousand kilometres away, the Republic of South Africa has turn into one of many nations sending the very best variety of support supplies and search and rescue personnel from the African continent.

Consulate Normal of Turkey in Cape City, Yunus Emre Institute (YEE) Turkish Cultural Centre in Johannesburg, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Company (TIKA) Pretoria Workplace and white items firm Arçelik/DEFY’s amenities in Durban, which have been designated as support assortment centres, have been overflowing with support supplies from South Africans.

-Over 100 tonnes of support materials from South Africa to Turkey-

Turkey’s Ambassador to Pretoria Ayşegül Kandaş instructed AA correspondent that South Africa has been among the many first nations to offer support to Turkey for the reason that first day of the earthquake and stated: “On the very subsequent day after the earthquakes, a 33-person well being and search and rescue group travelled to Turkey. This was adopted by one other medical group of 20 folks on 9 February.”

Noting that South African NGOs comparable to Awqaf SA, Jamiatul Ulema and Al Imdaad collected roughly 1.2 million {dollars} of in-kind support within the first three weeks throughout the scope of the help campaigns they began instantly after the earthquakes, Kandaş stated, “When particular person aids have been added, greater than 100 tonnes of in-kind support was delivered to Turkey with scheduled and weekly Turkish Airways cargo flights.”

Kandaş stated that these in-kind aids included 860 tents, 239 turbines, 116 cell bogs, 69 beds, 3,304 sleeping luggage, 6,255 blankets, 641 heaters, 46 cell cookers and 4 tonnes of garments.

-110 thousand {dollars} in money aid-

Referring to the money aids offered by South Africans and Turkish residents dwelling right here, Kandaş stated, “Roughly 110 thousand {dollars} in money support was offered to the official checking account opened by the Embassy throughout the scope of the earthquake support mobilisation.”

Noting that the South African authorities additionally offered 10 tonnes of medical provides throughout this era, Kandaş stated that the South African Police Service despatched 5 Ok-9 canine and a search and rescue group of 6 folks to Turkey.

Kandaş identified that South Africans confirmed nice curiosity within the ebook of condolence opened on the embassy and stated: “With the solidarity proven by the folks of South Africa in these troublesome days, the foundations of the center bridges between the 2 nations that may dwell eternally have been laid. This serving to hand from 10 thousand kilometres away will undoubtedly strengthen the relations between the 2 nations and make a big contribution when it comes to humanitarian relations and our bond of coronary heart. We’re grateful to the South African authorities and other people. We’re grateful to our residents dwelling in South Africa.”