The Gift of the Givers foundation has heeded another call to assist members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), following devastating fires at the Lohatla Military Combat Training Centre near Kuruman in the Northern Cape.

Chairperson and founder of the foundation, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, said the response comes after an urgent request from the SANDF. The Gift of the Givers team is preparing an aid package in to assist members who lost everything in the fire.  

OFM News reported that six SANDF members passed away while others were transported to hospital for medical care. Strong winds spread the fire extensively at the combat training centre and destroyed the entire camp, vehicles, shelter and personal belongings of 1,300 military personnel. 

Sooliman expressed his sadness. "We offer our deepest condolences to the family members and the SANDF on this tragic loss; remove the uniforms and they are just ordinary human beings with loved ones depending on them for a livelihood and a stable family."

Considerable damage was caused to vehicles. Photo supplied

Sooliman said Gift of the Givers teams loading a truck in Johannesburg with items such as clothing, underwear, hygiene packs, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, face cloths, hand towels, sanitary pads, energy drinks and blankets. 

Other members of the organisation are sourcing additional supplies from wholesalers before embarking on the seven-hour journey.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi