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Africans Respond to Crisis In Haiti with New Campaign
The earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12 caused unprecedented devastation and suffering to the country and its people. Wednesday’s aftershock aggravated an already grave humanitarian crisis.
Other Ways to Respond to the Earthquake
Africa for Haiti Campaign Members
CIVICUS
African Monitor
Trust Africa
The Southern Africa Trust
Charity Aid Foundation (CAF) Southern Africa
The South African Red Cross Society
National Welfare Forum
Ivan May through 1485 Radio Today on 1484 AM in Jozi and through SADC (also DStv 169)
Synergos
NEPAD Business Foundation
African Women's Foresight Network
Across Africa, government, church, business and civil society leaders are mobilizing support for the people of Haiti. In South Africa, Synergos is part of a coalition led by CIVICUS that has launched the Africa for Haiti Campaign and to help coordinate these efforts.
The campaign has the support of church, business and civil society leaders including Mrs. Graça Machel, Archbishops Desmond Tutu, Njongonkulu Ndungane, Malusi Mpumlwana, Thabo Makgoba, and businessmen Trevor Ncube and Reuel Khoza.
Archbishop Tutu stated that:
“We were supported wonderfully by the international community when we struggled against the vicious policy of apartheid. Today the people of Haiti, struck twice by the earthquake, are in a worse predicament than we were. As South Africans, we especially cannot but want to do our bit to alleviate the immense suffering of our sisters and brothers in Haiti.”
The Nelson Mandela Foundation hosted a press conference on January 22, where Mrs. Machel stated that the Africa for Haiti Campaign will focus on reconstruction in Haiti. The objective is not to provide immediate relief but rather to contribute toward the medium- to long-term reconstruction of communities. As a result, it is estimated that fundraising for this campaign may continue for six months.
The Africa for Haiti Campaign will identify, in partnership with Haitian civil society organizations, initiatives in which it can assist. It also hopes to provide Africans from all walks of life an opportunity to demonstrate their collective solidarity and support for the people of Haiti thereby uniting Africans in compassion and giving.
The campaign also aims to unite individuals, NGOs and corporates across Africa behind this cause by disseminating information and enlisting support from their extensive networks.
For More Information
Read the full press release and supporting statements by African leaders.
Contact:
Buhle Mpofu-Makamanzi
Tel: +27 21 713 2801
Mobile: +27 82 898 8488
buhle@africanmonitor.org
January 22, 2010
