South African churches have delivered 37 tons of food and nearly 5000 blankets to Zimbabwe's Christian Care for distribution among families displaced by Operation Murambatsvina.

Christian Care reported that the last of the supplies arrived on Monday, 12 September, after being delayed by six weeks due to agricultural and customs restrictions. The ecumenical agency will now work through Zimbabwe's churches to distribute the relief to families that have been scattered by the forced removals.

Christian Care expressed thanks for the SACC's "efforts and resilience" in pursuing the documentation required by the Zimbabwean government. Noting the obstacles that Operation Hope for Zimbabwe encountered in importing commodities into Zimbabwe, Christian Care has proposed that, to the extent possible, future relief supplies be procured within Zimbabwe, with only goods unobtainable in the country being imported.

For more information contact: Mr. Eddie Makue (082 853 8781)