MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – While South Africans have already donated R6.5m to victims of the tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia and Africa, the well-known Minister of Blankets could be counted upon to do his share as well.

When the devastating waves of the tsunami, caused by a powerful earthquake, hit on 26 December, Mr Amie Chhaya was on holiday in the Wildernis.

Phone calls from Ms Anne Bown from Giving and Sharing, in consultation with Minister Sydney Mufamadi, and from the Red Cross requesting blankets impelled Mr Chhaya to cut short his holiday. He returned home to do what he loves the most, helping people in need.

On Tuesday (11th) the first lot of blankets, comprising six bales of about 10 blankets each, was to be picked up by the Red Cross.

“The tsunami was very bad; we have to help. At the moment, it’s just blankets, but next could be food parcels,” Mr Chhaya said. The latest death toll in Indonesia was reported to be over 150 000 and the catastrophe made more than 655 000 people homeless and at least 1 448 others were seriously injured. Mr Chhaya said that, as coordinator, he will take good care that the blankets will reach their destination.

Mr Chhaya thanked the Indian community of the Limpopo Province for opening their hearts to the disaster’s survivors. He especially thanked his biggest sponsor, M Premjee & Sons, with director Mr V Premjee.