Old Mutual Foundation continues to bring hope and relief to families in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) who were left homeless by devastating floods and the social unrest. More than R15 million has to date been committed by the Foundation to the ongoing relief effort.

The most recent beneficiary is 80-year-old Gogo Maphumulo from Umbumbulu, who lost virtually all her possessions when her home was destroyed by heavy rains and flooding earlier this year.

During the handover on 28 September, the Old Mutual Foundation, in association with the Collen Mashawana Foundation and Ukhozi FM, handed a beaming Gogo the keys to a brand new home, complete with furniture, basic household essentials, blankets and food.

“We are confident our gift of a new home will help restore the dignity and wellbeing of the well deserving family,” says Fikile Kuhlase, Head of the Old Mutual Foundation. Through contributions such as these we are able to continue demonstrating in a practical way that Old Mutual cares and assists communities wherever it can, in collaboration with partners such as the Collen Mashawana Foundation.”

“We are delighted to announce the completion of the house that took only 5 weeks to be reconstructed. The Collen Mashawana Foundation is thankful for the partnerships with the Social Development, Ukhozi FM, Afribiz Invest, and the Old Mutual Foundation for their contribution to making our vision a reality.” says Austin Mashawana Chief Operations Officer.

Kuhlase adds: “The last 30 months have been among the most difficult experienced at any time in our nation’s history. Apart from the floods and social unrest, we also suffered through the Covid-19 pandemic and its associated impact on people’s lives.”

These disasters have highlighted the positive truth that South Africans are resilient as well as community-minded and caring. A heart-warming example of this is the fact that it was a concerned neighbour, a young man called Ntuthuko Madziba, who brought Gogo’s plight to Old Mutual’s attention, via his plea for assistance to Ukhozi FM.

“When circumstances demand, individuals and corporates will unite and reach out to demonstrate to those in need that we are committed to tackling head-on the socio-economic problems that threaten our societal fabric,” Kuhlase says.

“Old Mutual has been part of South Africa’s communities for more than 177 years, and as a responsible and caring organisation, we will always be ready to assist where we can.”

Article source: https://www.oldmutual.co.za/news/old-mutual-foundation-provides-ongoing-support-to-kzn-flood-victims/