Premier Alan Winde helped welcome back a team of Western Cape-based disaster and emergency relief officials who had travelled to Turkey to join the international response to the devastating earthquakes that struck the country and Syria several weeks ago.
Also read: Gift of the Givers on standby to fly out to earthquake-hit Turkey and Syria
The group of Cape Town-based emergency officials touched down on home soil at Cape Town International Airport. They had been deployed to Turkey through the South African aid and relief organisation, Gift of the Givers Foundation.
“I commend Gift of the Givers for the work they do both here at home and abroad in times of desperate need. The work you do is outstanding.” said the premier. “The NGO is flying our flag high. These women and men who put their hands up when the call came for help are making us proud. You are heroes, not just to us but to the Turkish people you helped too.”
Amid emotional scenes, Winde told the group they have made their families, the Western Cape and South Africa proud through their selflessness and risking their own safety to help those in need.
When the Turkey foreign mission in South Africa requested its help, Gift of the Givers did not hesitate in responding, calling in disaster risk management and emergency personnel from across the country, including the Western Cape, to join the international drive to help the people of Turkey.
During the devastation and sadness in Turkey, there were moments of hope. Rescuers affiliated with the aid group rescued an 80-year-old woman who had been buried under rubble for days.
Also read:
Gift of the Givers return to SA after assisting with rescue efforts in Türkiye
Picture: Supplied