India and South Africa donated 100,000 Rand to help the city of Cape Town, which is facing the worst drought in a century

Image courtesy of: NDTV

India and South Africa donated 100,000 Rand to the Gift of the Givers Foundation to drill borewells and help provide bottled water in the drought-stricken South African city of Cape Town.

With Cape Town facing its worst drought in a century, both teams made the charitable gesture during the third Twenty20 International, which was held in the city on Saturday.

Mayor Patricia de Lille admitted that the situation in Cape Town had “reached a point of no return” as ‘Day Zero’, which is when the city will completely run out of water, could become a frightening reality in April.

Imtiaz Sooliman, chairman of the Gift of the Givers Foundation, was grateful for the donation, was quoted by NDTV as saying: “The Gift of the Givers appreciates the support from the South African and Indian cricket teams towards our Western Cape drought initiative.

“The generous contribution will assist us in essential borewell drilling in various areas which are virtually without water.”

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis revealed that the Proteas also auctioned signed jerseys, with the funds going to the relief effort.

“Both teams had first-hand experience of the water crisis in Cape Town and, having a chat with Kohli, we decided to get the teams to sign some jerseys which we auctioned off, with the funds raised going to assist the Cape Town water crisis,” he said. “We also wanted to create awareness and hope that other organisations and sports codes follow in our direction.”

India skipper Virat Kohli added: “Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and whenever we visit and play at Newlands, we are treated extremely well by the local people.

“By creating awareness of the drought, we are playing our part in highlighting the drought so people can see the seriousness of what is taking place in the Mother City.”