Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), Nelson Mandela Bay Ports collaborates with the City in its community relief efforts as we all try to find normality in these trying times.
Nelon Mandela Bay Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr. Thsonono Buyeye, accepted 500 food vouchers on behalf of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro from the TNPA Nelson Mandela Bay Ports, the Ports of Port Elizabeth and Ngqura.
These vouchers will be handed over to community beneficiaries in an effort to provide community support and relief as the entire country struggles to find ways to revive the economy as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
TNPA’s Corporate Social Investment initiatives are aligned with the organisation’s objectives and are driven through sustainable, integrated socio-economic programmes thereby promoting economic growth in South Africa.
TNPA recognises its responsibility as a corporate citizen towards its stakeholders and the communities in which it operates.
The NMB Ports are committed in taking a more active role in the society through its CSI and philanthropic programmes in order to achieve long-term sustainable development for the benefit of Nelson Mandela Bay’s most needy residents.
Port Manager at the Port of PE, Rajesh Dana said, “As the NMB Ports we are alive to the continuous impact that the pandemic has had, not only on the country, but on the people of our beloved metro.
“Whilst the restrictions that have been implemented have done a great deal in saving lives and curbing the spread of the virus, we cannot ignore the dire impact that they have had on the livelihoods of so many.
“These vouchers are therefore our small way of contributing to the daily lives of our most impacted and vulnerable residents and we truly hope that they provide some much-needed relief to those that will benefit from them.”
The City drew from the Department of Social Development’s list of beneficiaries registered for Social Relief of Distress. This list was then segmented into the targeted areas as chosen by the TNPA NMB Ports for distribution.
Aligned to the TNPA’s objectives, beneficiaries to the food vouchers would be directed at child headed households, the elderly and the physically challenged.
A number of municipal offices and facilities in the targeted areas have been identified as the locations to which the beneficiaries will receive these vouchers in the coming week.
Buyeye said, “The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is touched by this much needed contribution by the TNPA NMB Ports. This donation comes at a time when the City is at its lowest in terms of our economy.
“The COVID-19 pandemic not only cost us lives, it has ravaged our economy, which has led to many breadwinners losing their jobs. This welcome donation by TNPA will go a long way in making sure that many local families can put food on the table, more especially at a time when children are expected to go back to school.
“We would like to warmly thank TNPA, as this gesture clearly shows that they have embraced the concept of a Caring City that represents the true values of Tata Nelson Mandela, after whom the City has been named. We wish to make a clarion call on the private sector that has not been adversely affected by this pandemic to also contribute to similar initiatives.”
The NMB Ports and the City will continue their collaborative efforts in reviving the economy of the city through both business and philanthropic initiatives.