Media Statement
08 October 2016
President Jacob Zuma sends words of solidarity to Haiti and other Caribbean nations.
President Jacob Zuma, has on behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, expressed condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of Haiti following destructive Hurricane Matthew that has hit Haiti and claimed the lives of hundreds of people.
President Zuma said: "We convey our message of solidarity with the Government and the people of Haiti and other nations in the Caribbean affected by Hurricane Matthew. We particularly mourn with the people of Haiti as they come to terms with the effects of the devastating storm, which has left behind a trail of destruction and death."
According to the United Nations (UN), UN agencies and humanitarian partners are working with the Government of Haiti to assess the full scale of the destruction and provide emergency aid. The $5 million grant from the Central Emergency Response Fund, (CERF) will kick-start the initial emergency response operations and meet the urgent needs of the most affected populations.
South Africa is a member of the CERF Advisory Group, which provides the UN Secretary-General with policy guidance and expert advice on the use and impact of CERF. The Group does this through the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (USG/ERC), who manages CERF’s day-to-day operations on the Secretary-General’s behalf.
For further information, please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for DIRCO, on 082 884 5974.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
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