Gift of the Givers supports SANDF officers after a massive veld fire

The SA National Defence Force members (SANDF) who lost everything in the tragic fire at the Lohatla military combat training center at Postmasburg near Kuruman in the Northern Cape are receiving assistance from Gift of the Givers teams, who are putting together a package of supplies to help them.

ALSO READ: Waste collection in Cape Town to resume following suspension

On Friday, at around 1:45 pm, a veld fire that started at a nearby mine’s western border extended to the military base, claiming the lives of six soldiers and injuring three more.

ALSO READ: SANDF fire: Ramaphosa mourns soldiers who died in Northern Cape

SANDF MADE AN URGENT PLEA FOR WHAT?

The SANDF has made an urgent plea for clothing, including underwear, hygiene kits, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, face cloths, hand towels, sanitary pads, energy drinks, and blankets, according to the humanitarian organisation.

“Gift of the Givers’ teams are loading our truck in Johannesburg with the requested items while team members are sourcing additional supplies from wholesalers this morning before embarking on the seven-hour journey,” said Gift of the Givers chairperson Imtiaz Sooliman.

ALSO READ: Six SANDF soldiers killed after veld fire spreads to military base

The entire camp, the cars, the housing, and the personal belongings of 1,300 military people were all destroyed by the fire, which was fueled by strong winds.

GIFT OF THE GIVERS EXTEND SYMPATHY TO THE AFFECTED FAMILY MEMBERS

“We extend our sincere sympathies to the SANDF and the family members on this awful loss. If you take away the uniforms, they are simply regular people with families who depend on them for support,” said Sooliman.

ALSO READ: SANDF to convene board of inquiry into tragic submarine incident

ALSO READ: SANDF releases names of submariners who died in Kommetjie