Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05PRETORIA56
2005-01-05 14:48:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Pretoria
Cable title:  

SOUTH AFRICAN RELIEF EFFORTS FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMS

Tags:  AEMR EAID PGOV 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS PRETORIA 000056 

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/S TCRAIG AND KGAITHER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR EAID PGOV
SUBJECT: SOUTH AFRICAN RELIEF EFFORTS FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMS

REF: SECSTATE 959

UNCLAS PRETORIA 000056

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/S TCRAIG AND KGAITHER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR EAID PGOV
SUBJECT: SOUTH AFRICAN RELIEF EFFORTS FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMS

REF: SECSTATE 959


1. Per reftel, Econoff delivered talking points to South
Africa's Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant
Director on the USA Desk Liezl Combrink. Combrink thanked
Econoff for the delivered talking points and noted that the
SAG established a DFA Relief Coordinating Center to be the
official entity for fielding private-sector donation requests
for Tsunami relief. DFA Officers Johan van Wyk (27) (84)
514-7094 and Johan Paschals (27) (73) 332-0842 are the points
of contact at the Center.


2. Paschals told Econoff that the Center is encouraging
interested donors to make contributions to a relief fund
being administered by the South African Red Cross. He said
that as of January 5 between R2-3 million ($350-525k) had
been donated. Paschal said that Minister of Health Ms. Manto
Tshabalala-Msimang and Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry

SIPDIS
Ms. Buyelwa Sonjica are attending the donor meeting in
Indonesia and would have a much better idea of what the
specific needs are following the donor meeting. He said the
SAG would announce its disaster relief plan at the January 11
donor conference in Geneva.


3. Paschals also noted other private relief efforts such as
Pick'n Pay grocery store receptacles accepting cash or
in-kind contributions. Other relief fund have been announced
by the Anglican Church, the South African Tamil Federation,
the Council of Muslim Theologians, Netcare, First National
Bank, and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals. In addition, Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool
presented a check of R500,000 ($88k) to Indonesia's
Ambassador Abdul Nasier on behalf of the Western Cape
Government and investment/offshore company OASIS towards
relief efforts in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Maldives.
Several medical relief teams have also been organized by the
private sector.
HARTLEY