“Sappi Forests has been hard hit by this disaster, but we have also been moved by the plight of the people in our neighbouring communities – some whom have lost everything and are now struggling to survive in these harsh conditions”, said Hendrik De Jongh, Managing Director of Sappi Forests.

Apart from trying to limit damage to commercial plantations and other property, Sappi’s response to the fires focused on ensuring the safety of the people in the area. To this end Sappi provided assistance with general alert procedures and eventual evacuation efforts. In particular on Monday night, 25 June, Sappi ensured that its contractor labour force was quickly evacuated when the Sappi Oaklands Village on the Shafton plantation came under threat. The village eventually suffered severe fire damage. Temporary accommodation and first-need items including mattresses and bedding and food stuffs were provided by the next morning.

On Tuesday Sappi also began distributing much-needed blankets, food, clothing and tents to the communities of two hard-hit villages adjacent to the Sappi Pinewood plantation along the Boston-Bulwer road.

Sappi employees were quick to respond and added to the company’s contribution through private donations of money and items which saw the affected workers and communities supported with clothing, foodstuffs, toiletries, blankets.

Sappi and its staff were able to provide support and assistance to affected people during the critical time immediately following the destruction of their accommodation or homes. Sappi is also working closely with the Provincial and Municipal Disaster Management teams to ensure that additional support will be channelled to the residents of those communities that have been identified as being destitute and homeless.

“Sappi acted swiftly to address the plight of communities in need. I am proud of the ‘can-do’ attitude displayed by everyone involved and in particular I am proud of the initiative shown by the Sappi Forests personnel in making substantial private donations. We at Sappi Forests will continue to do all we can to ease the plight of our neighbours”, De Jongh concluded.

Contact information:
Zelda Schwalbach
Sappi Limited
Tel:  031 710 1491
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