The Cape Town office of Gift of the Givers was reportedly vandalized and trashed, with several items stolen on Monday.
This was confirmed by Gift of the Givers project manager Ali Sablay, who told IOL the theft was noticed by a staff member after the main door of the building was left open.
“We can confirm that laptops, PCs, TVs and clothes were stolen. The stolen clothes are being packed by our team to make packs for the victims of the fires in the last six fires that happened in the Western Cape,” said Sablay as quoted by the publication.
Sablay asked the criminals to return the stolen laptop because it contained the names of people registered for social assistance.
‘Beyond Heartache’
The news saddened South Africans, with many questioning why criminals would target an organization that “raised the whole of South Africa on its shoulders”.
While some condemned criminals who broke into the offices of Gift of the Givers, others pledged to continue to support the organization.
“Absolute blasphemy. Sorry to read about the Givers’ Gift! Know that this will only increase the support of South Africans for your organization! This is just a test in our journey to stay on track and continue to make a difference to those in need, even there is an enemy’s attempt to slow us down! Heads up, shoulders back, let’s move forward! You have our support. It doesn’t matter,” commented Yoveen Jay Hanuman from Facebook.
Also read: Gift of the Givers responds to Boksburg gas tanker explosion
“Remember, criminals can steal pipes that provide oxygen and life support to patients in the ICU ward of the hospital. Destroying hospital pipes, railway cables….etc.. then stealing from charity organizations is no different. It would be nice to know how many schools are vandalized and vandalized during the school holidays. There really are no words for this type of behavior,” said Afzal Farhad.
A gift from Givers in the Western Cape
Humanitarian organizations have this week helped displaced Phola Park residents in Phillipi, Cape Town and Khayelisha, following two fires.
Affected residents have received hot meals, bottled water, blankets and baby care packages.
Also read: UJ donates R120,000 to Gift of the Givers, here’s how you can help
“The victims of the fire in Cape Town have asked for help with school supplies. A nationwide response will bring great relief to parents and children caught in this distressing situation,” Gift of the Givers Founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman told Newszroom Africa. Monday.
He said the organization has also seen increased demand for uniforms, stationery and food packaging.
“Our team has been hard at work preparing our back-to-school packs. Our Stationary Packs include everything you need to start the year and boost morale.