Flood victims from Mountview and Waterloo were given a reason to smile when they were visited by the non-profit organisation, Action Development Agency (ADA), who came to honour Nelson Mandela by distributing food parcels to 150 families still being housed at the municipal buildings.
The initiative was done in partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ, Latter-Day Saints. The CEO for ADA, Khululiwe Kheswa said the organisation launched the “Lend A Hand” campaign to allow various stakeholders to have a secure and transparent platform to contribute and donate towards those affected by the recent floods.
She said: “Over the past few months, eThekwini and other regions of KwaZulu-Natal have been battered by what was described as the worst floods in decades. The province recorded more than 351mm of rainfall, which caused untold damage to property and infrastructure, including electricity, roads, bridges, schools, and health facilities.”
“Thousands lost their homes and were displaced and forced to seek shelter. As ADA, we are honoured to be able to ‘Lend A Hand’ with what we have as per the 2022 Mandela Day theme. We also invite all sectors nationwide to contact us to donate whatever they have for the displaced and disenfranchised. Every day is a Mandela Day to us as an NPO,” said Kheswa.
Providing background on ADA, Kheswa said the agency was established in 1999 and formally registered as an NPO in 2001, primarily focusing on improving food security, access to clean water and sanitation, disaster relief, skills development, and empowerment. The ADA primarily serves vulnerable population groups such as orphans, the elderly and child, youth, and female-headed household, as well as priority groups such as victims of gender-based violence, displaced children and youth.
Kheswa said: “Over the years, ADA has created value for the communities through strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders in the private and public sector. Action Development Agency intentionally seek out partnerships with organisations that are aligned with its principles, values, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
For more information on the organisation and their initiatives, contact 082 352 8807 or 082 739 3297 or email info@actdevsa.org.
