In relaying their message of hope to the masses, Old Mutual represented by Mr Khotso Tsotsotso, highlighted that the partnership they have with the department and other fraternal stakeholders is to ensure that wherever and wherever disaster strikes, we see to it that we do not loose lives, but instead preserve it.

Precisely because, whenever we pray and long for rain, the last thing we expect is for disaster to befall us, in the form of floods, damage to property, destruction of vegetation, loss of lives, and displacement of communities.

Our main purpose as Old Mutual for being here is to ensure that we have everyone with us to safety, and we have our small token of contribution in front of you. We clearly understand that many more people have been affected by the floods and we might not necessarily reach them all, but we believe in working together, we can indeed achieve more, by having more systemic interventions.

We also had an address from the Red Cross, represented by Mr Mojalefa Mogorosi who emphasized the importance of humanity, and working towards uplifting each other. Out of total obscurity, great stories can come out, thus it becomes important we provide all support to the people of Blikkies and the other surrounding areas, for they are indeed jewels that need to be unearthed.

The Red Cross Society will stick with the affected communities up until they're out of this situation they find themselves in, for we doing from our hearts. As you refer to your dwellings as hokkies, we would want you to embrace your humble surroundings, and call them home, we will indeed partner with you in this journey. Majalefa Mogorosi, Provincial Representative from Red Cross Society.

Mr Abram, representing the Department of Social Development reflected on the importance of forging relations with fraternal organisations in dealing with matters of disasters.

These relations are particularly important and significant as they happen during the month in which we honoring one of the greatest Sons of the Soil, a great revolutionary, a pioneer for world peace and humanitarian aid, Utata Nelson Rolihlahla Madiba Mandela.

It is therefore befitting that the people of Blikkies and Calvinia at large experience this heartwarming gesture from our partners and government.

We will indeed take up the challenge put forward by our partners to work towards empowering the community, especially women, to uplift themselves from the socio-economic conditions they find themselves in.