By Justice Zhou.
Johannesburg. (News Of the South) – A South African university has donated a consignment of clothes to victims of the deadly floods that hit many parts of Zimbabwe last month.
The donation by the University of Western Cape (UWC) was for those displaced when heavy rains pounded the flood-prone Muzarabani district, north-eastern Zimbabwe.
It comprised clothes, shoes and other gifts, most of which came from students who opened their hearts for the charitable cause.
Relief agencies had earlier appealed for support to help thousands of people whose livelihoods were ruined by the flash floods.
“We collected second-hand yet still usable items,” Professor Mapendere, a member of the institution’s student representative council (SRC), told News of the South.
“So the contribution was mainly from students, although some staff members also chipped in.”
Mapendere, originally from Zimbabwe, led the initiative. He said the idea came up when he rallied his colleagues and other well-wishers to take part.
The university also expressed pride in the students who had shown “Ubuntu (humanity) by assisting our neighbours during their time of trouble.”
“We wish that the kindness by these students will serve as an example to fellow students throughout southern Africa,” stated UWC spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo, when asked for comment.
Heavy downpours destroyed several villages and uprooted crops in what aid agencies described as one of the worst floods in recent years.
About 11 people were killed across the country while many were left without shelter, according to the Zimbabwe Red Cross.
The aid agency has called for help to complement the government and humanitarian players’ efforts “to alleviate human suffering.”
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported around 6000 people in Zimbabwe to have been affected by the torrential rains.
Turbulent weather patterns have already stoked fears of a poor harvest, in a country whose government struggles to maintain national food security needs.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe meteorological services department has issued an alert for thunderstorms that may be accompanied by violent winds and hail this week.
“The public is therefore advised to take caution to avoid loss of life and property,” according to duty forecaster Lucy Samvura.
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