Call for donations as hundreds displaced in Mossel Bay

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A call for donations is being made to help the over 300 people who were displaced from their homes in suspected xenophobic attacks in Mossel Bay between 29 and 30 May.

According to reports, several homes were set alight in and around Asla Park, KwaNonqaba, people were assaulted and two people were killed in the early hours of Saturday morning. The motive for the murders is under investigation and the identities of the victims have not yet been released by police.

The Mossel Bay Municipality has said it has made a central venue available as a safe space for those affected to stay. Many others left Mossel Bay by bus, taxi and private vehicle yesterday.

For the people still in Mossel Bay, donations of warm clothes, hygiene products, blankets, mattresses and food are being requested from the Da Gamaskop Community Policing Forum to be dropped off at KwaNonqaba Police Station in Mayixhale Street or at the Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services at the corner of Louis Fourie and Schoeman Roads.

Colouring books were organised by Corene Conradie for the affected children. Photo: Supplied

A Mossel Bay local, Corene Conradie, who was a coordinator for humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers for years, is also busy organising food and essential items for those who have been displaced.

Today, 31 June, Conradie is making 1 000 sandwiches and is asking community members and businesses to donate bread and spreads, fruit, water and juice for the children.

She made chips and Russian sausages which were distributed the following evening.

“These things are very close to my heart and passion and as someone who served humanity for almost seven years, I cannot sit back,” she said.

If you would like to assist Conradie contact her on 060 235 4348.

The Mossel Bay Municipality also released an update on the situation, stating continued coordination meetings are being held between Mossel Bay Municipality and high-level officials of the police, including further engagements this morning to ensure ongoing alignment and response measures.

It said municipal officials across various departments, including Community Development, remain deployed and continue to assist in coordinating humanitarian support.

Humanitarian assistance is being provided at municipal community facilities in several different locations, which are not being disclosed for public safety reasons, by the Department of Social Development and various NGO’s.

This assistance includes basic health services, Food provision facilitated by the Department of Social Development and NGOs, support for basic needs to ensure displaced persons are as comfortable as possible until relocated by the relevant authorities, presumably during the coming week.

As of 11:30 today, there were reports of homes in the Asla Park area being looted. A media query has been sent to the police and an update will be published as soon as more information is received.

Corene Conradie handing out soccer balls. Photo: Supplied