South Africans raise money for Syria

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) South Africans have pledged over 13 million rand (approximately $928,000) to assist with humanitarian efforts in Syria, a spokesman for a local NGO behind the initiative has told Anadolu Agency.

Yusuf Abramjee, spokesman for the NGO OperationSA, said telephone pledge lines were made by several South Africans during a program on local television station ITV.

“As of 10 a.m. local time (0800GMT) on Friday over 7 million rand (approximately $500,000) was paid into the account of #SaveSyria out of the total 13 million pledged,” he said.

Abramjee and three others, who founded the NGO OperationSA a week ago, have thanked South Africans for their generosity.

“The money raised will be distributed equally to seven local (South African) charities doing humanitarian work in Syria,” He said.

The social activist said their campaign was launched last week following calls to assist victims in Aleppo and other parts of Syria.

Some of the South African charities currently working in Syria include, Al Imdaad Foundation, the Africa Muslims Agency and Islamic Relief SA.