South Africa faces a complex water crisis as a consequence of prolonged drought cycles, flooding, damaging water infrastructure, the collapse of existing dams in towns, and increasing population pressures, resulting in rapidly increasing dependence on water tanker supplies to affected communities.
The South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) recently sponsored the provision of two new flatbed water tanker vehicles with Jojo tanks, together valued at some R960 000, to the Gift of the Givers Foundation, which plays a critical role in the regular delivery of water to people left without this vital resource.
South Africa is amongst the 30 driest countries globally, receiving about 40% less rainfall
than the annual world average. Helping to address the emergent water crisis in this country, the Gift of the Givers has drilled 600 boreholes during the past several years, providing critical sources of water for delivery via tankers. The organization has facilitated access for municipal tankers, fire trucks, SANDF, taxi associations, and private individuals.
Commenting on the SAMCT’s tankers donation, representative, Mr Shabir Chohan, said: “Gift of the Givers operates four water tankers. However, the escalating demand as a direct result of ongoing droughts, empty dams, flood damage, and neglected infrastructure has stretched its capacity to be effective in its water supply assistance programme. It has become evident that additional vehicles to carry water to needy communities have become an imperative.”
High demand for its services exists in Johannesburg, Carolina, QwaQwa, the Swartland Municipal District, Adelaide, Bedford, Fort Beaufort, Makhanda, Peddie, and Graaff-Reinet.
Mr Chohan added: “Gift of the Givers water tankers have been a lifeline for communities in recent years, providing reliable access to clean water in times of critical need. It is a fact that water tankers are scarce in South Africa, and the two we have been able to provide Gift of the Givers will prove crucial for its life-saving interventions.”
The SAMCT was created in 2008, the result of a partnership between Old Mutual Unit Trusts and Al Baraka Bank, for the creation, marketing, and distribution of a suite of Shariah Funds.
The organization provides funding, services, and other resources to improve the lives of the vulnerable, deprived, and disadvantaged. It has successfully delivered sizeable assistance solutions throughout South Africa – irrespective of race or religion – and continues to work to support needy organizations in the fields of healthcare, social development, poverty alleviation, and education.
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For more information about the SAMCT or its Gift of the Givers Water Tankers donation, please contact:
Rasheeda Motala
Social Responsibility Officer Tel: 084 506 2280
Email: samct@samct.co.za
www.samct.co.za