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Why change something that works, asks Salvation Army

TUESDAY 13 MARCH 2018 I For immediate release

The Salvation Army has responded to reports that coordination of disaster relief in Cape Town is to be taken over by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

Major Carin Holmes, PR Secretary of The Salvation Army Southern Africa, says: “The most critical element in any kind of disaster relief is speed of response. We have had an excellent relationship with the City of Cape Town, which has been fine-tuned over several years. This means that the process of The Salvation Army providing humanitarian assistance to disasters in Cape Town through the city is efficient and effective. We regret that SASSA has decided to change something that is working well and wonder what the reasons are for doing so”

Up to now, Cape Town has had service level agreements with various organisations, including The Salvation Army, to provide relief including food, blankets and vanity packs to affected communities. Their claims for reimbursement would be verified by the Disaster Risk Management Centre and submitted to SASSA for payment.

According to the city of Cape Town, the new procedure will involve the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre notifying SASSA of incidents where relief is required. SASSA will then assume responsibility for notifying the service provider of the request at hand and will also monitor the delivery of social relief to the disaster victims, according to the city.


The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by love for God, and its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs without discrimination.

The Southern Africa Territory of The Salvation Army encompasses four countries – South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland – and the island of St Helena. Its officers, soldiers and full-time employees provide their spiritual and community services through approximately 230 corps (churches), societies and outposts, as well as through schools, hospitals, institutions for children, street children, the elderly, men and abused women, and daycare, goodwill, rehabilitation and social centres.

ISSUED BY QUO VADIS COMMUNICATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE SALVATION ARMY

Media Contact: Ruth Coggin
Quo Vadis Communications
Tel: 011-487-0026
Cell: 082-903-5819
CLICK HERE to e-mail Ruth Coggin

Client Contact: Major Carin Holmes
Public Relations Secretary
Tel: 011-718-6745
Cell: 082-994-4351
CLICK HERE to e-mail Carin Holmes