Eskom Partners with Red Cross to Aid Eastern Cape Weather Disaster Victims

August 13, 2025

Eskom Commits R2.1 Million for Eastern Cape Disaster Relief

Eskom has partnered with the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) to provide relief supplies worth R2,136,830 to Eastern Cape communities devastated by recent extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, flooding, and snowfall.

The relief effort, coordinated through the Eskom Development Foundation, will support 3,668 individuals across 501 households in the OR Tambo, Amathole, and Alfred Nzo districts with essential items including mattresses, blankets, food parcels, hygiene kits, and kitchen utensils.

Widespread Devastation Across Eastern Cape

The extreme weather has caused multiple fatalities and displaced more than 1,500 people, with over 3,000 households affected across the three districts. The storms have severely damaged homes and infrastructure, disrupting transportation networks, electricity supply, and local livelihoods.

Beneficiaries were identified through a collaborative process involving local ward councillors, disaster management teams, and trained SARCS volunteers to ensure transparent and equitable distribution of relief supplies.

Mologadi Motshele, Acting CEO of the Eskom Development Foundation, stated: "Eskom stands with communities during challenging times. This effort embodies our value of Sinobuntu, showing empathy, compassion, and unity with those in need."

Relief Distribution Process

The Foundation's Strategic Donations Committee approved this relief initiative on June 30, 2025. The distribution process involves coordination between multiple stakeholders to identify the most vulnerable households and ensure aid reaches those most affected by the disaster.

"For many families affected, this support represents more than material assistance; it's a sign that they are supported and hopeful for the future," added Motshele.

Outlook

While this immediate relief effort addresses critical short-term needs, the extensive infrastructure damage in the affected areas suggests a lengthy recovery process ahead. The partnership between Eskom and SARCS represents one component of the broader disaster response, with ongoing needs likely to require additional support from government and other organizations.

Electricity infrastructure in the affected regions may require significant repairs beyond the immediate relief efforts, potentially affecting power supply stability in these areas in the coming weeks.

About the Eskom Development Foundation

The Eskom Development Foundation (ESDEF) is a non-profit entity wholly owned by Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. It implements Eskom's Corporate Social Investment strategy through sustainable development projects across all nine provinces, with focus areas including education, health, environmental protection, enterprise development, food security, rural infrastructure, and community upliftment.