WC: Statement - Cheques handed out to NSRI and Lifesaving SA

Statement by Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell

The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre has provided funding of R400,000 each to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and Western Cape Lifesaving Institute, to support them in ensuring greater water safety in the province.

This is an annual grant the province has been making over the past decade in an ongoing effort to ensure that the province can respond proactively to water related incidents.

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape handed over the cheques on Saturday and commended the two institutions for the sterling work they do.

“The work the NSRI and Lifesaving South Africa do is spectacular and too often goes unnoticed. People forget that both Lifesaving SA and the NSRI are non-profit organizations and these organizations depend and operate purely on donations and sponsorships.  For many years these two proud organizations have been receiving annual financial assistance from the Western Cape Provincial Government. We are proud to be associated with them and to be able to provide such assistance again this year.”

Bredell honored the institutions and their members, who in their official capacity or as volunteers risk, their lives in an attempt to save others.“We honour disaster management officials for the passion and never-ending sacrifices they and their families make for the well-being of others, while other families are on holiday and spending time together.”

NSRI CEO Dr. Cleeve Robertson thanked the WC Disaster Management team for their continued support and stated that the funds from the donation were used to buy a new JetRIB rescue boat for Station 16 Strandfontein.

“This craft will revolutionise surf rescue,’ said Dr Robertson. “Thank you for this partnership. It’s all about collaboration. The only way that we will be successful is if we collaborate,” he said.

Ms. Eileen Fortune accepted the R400 000 donation to WC Lifesaving saying that the money would be allocated to the 27 clubs in the province and used to buy much needed equipment and to ensure a proactive lifeguard service around the province.

Bredell urged members of the public to take great care over the upcoming holiday season and to contact disaster management entities immediately in times of distress.

“We have some of the best people standing by to help.”

ENDS.