INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION SUPPORTS KWAZULU-NATAL WITH HUMANITARIAN RELIEF AND HERITAGE HONOUR

• The International WeLoveU Foundation has provided crucial humanitarian aid to the Department of Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal to support communities impacted by recent natural disasters.
• Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s continued partnership, acknowledging its role in helping vulnerable communities, and emphasised the importance of collaborative disaster preparedness.
• The relief handover ceremony was followed by the unveiling of a statue of King Shaka at King Shaka International Airport, commemorating Zulu heritage and symbolising unity and resilience for KwaZulu-Natal.

In a heartening display of global solidarity, the International WeLoveU Foundation today handed over much-needed humanitarian relief assistance to the Department of Social Development in a ceremony held in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal. The donation, which will aid recovery efforts for communities affected by natural disasters, was warmly welcomed by the government officials and community leaders in attendance.

Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr. Ganief Hendricks, who officiated the gathering , expressed his deep gratitude to the Foundation for its consistent support during times of crisis. Speaking at the ceremony, he said, “On behalf of the Department of Social Development, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the leadership of the International WeLoveU Foundation for reaching out to our Government and people in their time of need, as you have always done without fail on many occasions.” He extended special thanks to Her Excellency Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-Jah, whose leadership has helped strengthen the partnership between the Foundation and the South African government since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The humanitarian relief donated today is part of ongoing efforts by national and provincial governments to assist disaster-stricken communities, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters linked to climate change. Mr. Hendricks noted the growing vulnerability of KwaZulu-Natal, which has been severely impacted by climate-related disasters over the past few years. He called for greater collaboration between government, NGOs, and communities to bolster disaster preparedness and response, adding, “We need to develop and implement more robust disaster preparedness in order to provide a more effective and early response to those in need.”

The Deputy Minister highlighted the critical role played by the Social Development Department in disaster relief, which includes providing social relief of distress, cooked meals at shelters, and psychosocial support for those affected. “This we cannot do alone without the support of partner organisations such as the International WeLoveU Foundation who have an important role in disaster reduction and response,” he said.

The partnership between the Department of Social Development and the International WeLoveU Foundation is formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which aims to complement government efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable communities, particularly in times of crisis. Mr. Hendricks urged the Foundation and other NGOs to continue their support, especially during the upcoming rainy season, which could bring additional challenges for local communities.

Following the humanitarian relief handover, Deputy Minister Hendricks joined His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, His Majesty King Misizulu KaZwelithini, and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Mr. Thamsanqa Ntuli, along with other senior government officials, for the unveiling of a statue of King Shaka ka Senzangakhona at the King Shaka International Airport in Durban.

The statue, which commemorates the legacy of the revered Zulu king, symbolizes the unity, strength, and pride of the people of KwaZulu-Natal and the broader nation. In his address, Mr. Hendricks underscored the significance of honoring King Shaka’s contributions to Zulu history, culture, and identity, calling it a vital gesture to preserve the King’s memory for future generations.

The twin events today — the handover of humanitarian aid and the unveiling of the statue — reflect a day of both immediate humanitarian relief and long-term cultural commemoration, underscoring the province’s resilience in the face of challenges and its deep respect for its heritage.