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MISA donates blankets to flood victims in Gqeberha

May 08, 2026 MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, Martlé Keyter, 400 blankets, flood victims, Eastern Cape


MISA donates blankets to flood victims in Gqeberha

 

MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, will donate four hundred blankets to bring relief to flood victims in the Eastern Cape after more than 2 500 people were displaced after heavy rain caused flash floods. The Union had already purchased the blankets in preparation for its annual blanket drive to support non-profit organisations assisting those in need.

 

“MISA realises that the impact of the heavy rains has had a devastating impact on Gqeberha and surrounding areas, not only on our members and their families, but on communities. As the majority trade union in the retail motor industry representing more than 77 000 members, MISA has a social responsibility to help. A little can go a long way, especially in these desperate circumstances,” says Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.

 

The donation will be delivered to Gift of the Givers, the largest disaster response non-governmental organisation in Africa, who are coordinating ongoing flood relief programmes for more than twenty-one non-profit organisations in the area, including flooded areas in the Western and Northern Cape. This is the second time that MISA has assisted flood victims. In 2022 the Union donated R90 700 to Gift of the Givers to assist flood victims in KwaZulu-Natal.

 

Keyter urges the public to adhere to the warnings issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS), not to cross low bridges or railway underpasses if flooded or after heavy rains. According to Capt. Johan van Dyk, SAPS Spokesperson in Tshwane, pedestrians and motorists must always take extreme caution when crossing any low bridges or at railway underpass if flooded or after heavy rains.

 

“If you see a road is flooded, turn around and search for another road. People tend to misjudge them with the strength and the depth of the water. Remember any vehicle is only kept on the road by its wheels. Only a small depth of moving water can destabilise a vehicle. Vehicles can float surprisingly quickly once tyres lose grip. If this happens, ensure that you climb on top of the vehicle and call for help. Pedestrians must not attempt to walk or swim through fast-flowing water. It is impossible to judge the depth of the water and currents underneath are much stronger than they appear. The golden rule is to rather be safe than sorry,” says Van Dyk.

  

#PROUDLYMISA #MISALEADS #MISACARES #MISAONTHEMOVE #MISAFAMILY

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