Speaking to News24 on Tuesday, the non-profit organisation's founder, Imtiaz Sooliman, said they had been given a glimpse into the nation's spirit of "togetherness" while bringing drought relief to different parts of the country.

Sooliman said the organisation had begun its drought relief work as early as August last year.

"We have done quite a bit of work in the southern Free State and even the North West. I can tell you that we have seen the best of South Africans. There is no race or religion and such a spirit of togetherness."

According to Sooliman, the non-profit organisation had partnered extensively with businesses and the Sai Organisation, a religious group, to assist 2 000 Paddock families in November.

Commenting on Gift of the Givers' work in KwaZulu-Natal, Sooliman said a visit to Nongoma had been heartwarming.

"We have a unique country. The joy of our people is that they are very patient and extremely grateful. And it is not just the people receiving water that are happy, but also those that are giving it away.

"We have had such a great response that our offices in KZN and Pietermaritzburg are completely stacked with water. This spirit of helping is also now mushrooming, with many other organisations, businesses and civics coming to the party."

According to Sooliman, Gift of the Givers would on Wednesday partner with Cricket South Africa and the Proteas in Bloemfontein to bring further drought relief. South Africa will be playing England in their first One Day International clash.

He said those attending the match will be asked to donate five litres of water or donate R10 to help buy much-needed resources.

"This is just another way of creatively bringing relief and getting South Africans to help each other."

-News24.com