Media Alert: Rescue SA to be Honoured

On 11 March 2011, a devastating tsunami hit Japan and killed more than 20 000 Japanese citizens. The Rescue SA team, led by Colin Deiner from the Department of Local Government's Provincial Disaster Management Centre, was dispatched to Japan to help with the recovery operation. The team's work in Japan showed solidarity and compassion to the people of Japan.

Today, the Government of Japan will present Rescue SA with an official certificate of commendation and appreciation. Toshiro Ozawa, the Ambassador of Japan to South Africa, together with leaders of the Japanese community in SA, will present the certificate to members of the Rescue SA team. A tree-planting ceremony will also be held on the premises, and Ian Scher, CEO of Rescue SA, will plant Japanese cherry blossom trees. Anton Bredell, Minister of Local Government and Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, commended the team and Colin Deiner for their efforts in the relief effort.

"I am very proud of Colin and the team for their efforts in Japan. It is through this kind of work that strong partnerships are formed and friendships between governments built. The team have been excellent ambassadors for South Africa and they can be proud."

The event will be held in Johannesburg.

All media are invited to attend.

Date: Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Time: 11:00
Venue: MSI Business Park, 68 Rigger Road, Spartan, Kempton Park, Johannesburg