Vodacom responds to Haiti disaster

Vodacom, through its Foundation, has responded positively to an approach by Rescue SA to contribute R1.5 million to enable them to fly their emergency relief team to Haiti, following the earthquake that has devastated that country.

The contribution is to be used towards the cost of the flight for the Rescue SA effort, which will see a 40-man team and 9 tons of rescue equipment leaving for Haiti shortly.

Mthobi Tyamzashe, Chairman of the Vodacom Foundation, said: "We are honoured to have been able to lend a hand to Rescue SA on their mission to assist the people of Haiti with medical services. Other companies in the Vodafone Group worldwide, of which Vodacom is part, are also contributing to the effort. In the United Kingdom, Vodafone has donated £25 000 to the UK Red Cross, while Vodafone in Spain has pledged £25 000 towards the Red Cross".

Rescue South Africa (RSA) is an official South African Disaster Response Team made up of volunteer emergency response specialists from the South African public and private sector emergency and ancillary services. Its multi-disciplinary taskforces include specialist rescuers, trauma doctors, paramedics, K9 search dog units, civil engineers, chemical and safety specialists.

Rescue South Africa forms part of the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) operated under the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA).