With hundreds of Umthatha families still grappling with last week’s devastating floods and losses, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of kind folk who are currently on the ground doing all they can to bring relief and a sense of stability.
Umthatha, South Africa (19 June 2025) – A wave of warmth and comfort has enveloped the devastated families of Umthatha, in the Eastern Cape, thanks to the vital support from the Collen Mashawana Foundation (CMF) following the recent floods.
Last week was a significantly tough week for the city as it was the victim of nature’s force, which left a trail of destruction and heartbreak.
While the government confirmed that 4,652 households were impacted and estimated that a staggering R1.2 billion is needed for rebuilding, as News24 reports, the CMF swiftly stepped in to provide immediate aid.
In efforts to bring relief and a sense of solidarity to the families left to pick up the pieces, a team of volunteers and founder Collen Mashawana arrived in Umthatha this week with food parcels, blankets, mattresses and other essentials.
This act of kindness, supported by the Umthatha Owners Taxi Association in distribution efforts, has offered a vital lifeline to hundreds of families grappling with immense loss.
“Our love for South Africa compels us to respond to the needs of its most vulnerable citizens,” CMF said.
The organisation, which previously supported families affected by the Mamelodi and KwaZulu-Natal floods in the past, has further committed to contributing towards the rebuilding of Umthatha.
Beyond just survival, the CMF’s provision of essentials helps to restore a sense of dignity to those who have lost everything, and they are rallying others in a position to help to come on board in making a difference where it is needed most.
“We urge other organisations to join us in this effort to help restore the dignity of many South Africans.”
In times of disaster and desperation, it is those who drop everything to help restore hope where it was lost, make a difference where there was despair and embody the true meaning of ubuntu.
We commend all those who have contributed towards helping these families and offer our heartfelt condolences to those navigating loss during this hard time.
Sources: Collen Mashawana Foundation
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