The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) together with Operation Hydrate and Awqaf SA will drill 67 new boreholes to provide relief to drought-stricken communities. These boreholes symbolise the 67 minutes of volunteerism in recognition of Mandela Month.

The investment towards this effort stands at R10 million, which will benefit numerous communities.

“Civil society is continuing to partner with government and this makes us proud. We will work with the NGOs and the department will identify areas in need of water. We salute those NGOs and individuals who continue to care and assist,” said Minister of Water and Sanitation Nomvula Mokonyane.

Yusuf Abramjee, speaking on behalf of Operation Hydrate and Awqaf SA, indicated that the NGOs and their partners will continue in their work to keep up the spirit of Ubuntu. He articulated how this is made possible by way of donating generously and helping those in need, all in recognition of the need to “keep Madiba’s legacy alive.”

Awqaf SA’s Zainul Cajee said that the partnership is for the benefit of the people of South Africa, and that “We at Awqaf remain committed to social upliftment and our humanitarian efforts will continue.”

The DWS is of the belief that with more efforts and collaborations like this, the challenges of the current drought can be quicker addressed and relief be felt by the affected communities.