Update 13/04/2022

Following its initial donation of R250 000 in food parcels and blankets to victims of flooding in KwaZulu-Natal, MTN has added a further R250 000 in food parcels and blankets bringing total value of aid to the region to R500 000.

“While our priority remains on restoring connectivity to the region as quickly as possible, it is clear that humanitarian assistance on the ground is urgently needed and we have taken a decision to ramp up our support to meet this need,” MTN South Africa executive of corporate affairs, Jacqui O’Sullivan said in an email.

Furthermore, MTN will offer subscribers in KwaZulu-Natal, a free 50 SMS bundle valid for three days to keep in touch with friends and family.

MTN’s efforts to restore impacted sites is progressing and technicians have been able to recover some sites in Umlazi and Amanzimtoti with over 278 sites recovered today as of time of writing.

Original story

Following horrific flooding earlier this week in KwaZulu-Natal, the damage is being assessed and aid efforts are starting up.

The damage in the province is widespread with roads flooded, cars washed away and shipping containers dotting the N2 highway.

One of the companies that has a lot repair work to do following the flooding is MTN. On Tuesday the network operator said that flooding had caused immense damage to its network in KwaZulu-Natal and today repair work has begun.

Despite being burdened with what is likely to be a massive repair bill, MTN, through its MTN Foundation, will be donating R250 000 worth of food parcels and blankets to those affected by the floods.

“We know this is a time of great anxiety and frustration, as friends and families worry for the safety of their loved ones. The MTN Foundation, as part of our ongoing Y’ello Hope initiative, is currently preparing R250 000 worth of food parcels and blankets to send to the affected region, to help those most in need,” MTN South Africa executive of corporate affairs, Jacqui O’Sullivan said in a statement.

As for repairs, MTN subscribers should be aware that over 500 MTN sites have been damaged and that number just continues to creep up.

“The situation on the ground is devastating and we are finding that as sites are being restored new sites are becoming affected. We can confirm that much of Ballito is now back up and running as our technicians were able to access the affected sites. However, many other sites remain inaccessible and dangerous,” explains O’Sullivan.

As many as 28 sites have already been repaired, but sites that have been declared disaster areas stymie repairs.

“The restoring of connectivity is our priority, and we will keep our customers updated via social media, radio and TV, as services are restored,” O’Sullivan concluded.

Should you be looking to help, we highly recommend directing your donations to Gift of the Givers.

“Hot meals, blankets, bottled water, warm clothes, sanitary pads and diapers are the initial requirements for those in low lying areas who have lost their material possessions. Food parcels, school uniforms and stationery will be provided where the need arises, building material will be considered as well as repairs to damaged school infrastructure,” the organisation said in a statement.

You can find details on how to donate here or alternatively you can visit the official Gift of the Givers website.