Media releases

Thursday, 28 November 2024

Eastern Cape, South Africa -After months of dedicated rebuilding efforts, Cell C, in partnership with Gift of the Givers, is excited to officially hand over newly restored healthcare facilities to the communities in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. An area that was severely affected by the catastrophic flooding that ravaged the Eastern Cape earlier this year.

The flooding, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life, left critical infrastructure in damage, with healthcare services among the hardest hit. In response, Cell C and Gift of the Givers worked toward the restoration of these vital clinics to ensure that affected communities once again have access to essential healthcare.

“Our work over the past few months has been focused on making sure that these healthcare facilities are not only rebuilt but are better equipped to serve the community for the long term”. said Farhad Suleman - Managing Executive Enterprise Sales at Cell C. “Today’s handover marks the success of a collaborative effort and reflects our unwavering commitment to the communities we serve”.

The partnership shows the importance of banding together  to create meaningful, lasting change. The rebuilds required extensive work and time to get the facilities back to a state where they can serve the communities.

Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, highlighted the importance of such partnerships. “Gift of the Givers appreciates the partnership of Cell C in the upgrade of clinics in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, that were affected by the destructive June floods. We are well aware of the budgetary constraints, with massive cuts in funding in the public health sector, which directly impact staff morale and patient care. Private sector participation, in this case, the generosity of Cell C, is critical. The upgraded facilities have a huge tangible social impact on healthcare workers, patients, and their families, giving them hope that these upgraded facilities will provide quality healthcare. Coming from very poor and disenfranchised communities, these upgrades are a powerful source of hope and renewed trust in the public health system.”

This initiative aligns with Cell C’s broader commitment to resilience and socio-economic development. Beyond rebuilding infrastructure, the project emphasises creating sustainable solutions designed to benefit communities for years to come.

“Our partnership with Gift of the Givers is a powerful demonstration of how collaboration can drive meaningful, lasting change in communities. Their expertise in disaster relief, combined with our commitment to supporting the communities in which we serve, ensures we can deliver effective, on-the-ground support where it's needed most. Our collaboration with Gift of the Givers during this critical time has allowed us to contribute in a way that ensures real impact, supporting both the immediate recovery and future resilience of these regions,” added Suleman.

“This is not just about rebuilding infrastructure - it's about rebuilding hope, health, and a brighter future for all those affected,“ concluded Suleman.