Australia fires: Western Cape government face backlash over ‘offer to help’

No good deed goes unpunished, and it would seem the Western Cape government can’t do right for doing wrong. The provincial administration had confirmed there was an offer in place to send 40 of their most experienced firefighters to help tackle the Australia fires, which have consumed the island from coast-to-coast.

Western Cape offer to help fight Australia fires

Anton Bredell is the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape. He said in a statement that he believes the emergency crews “can make a difference” Down Under, and revealed that he would be willing to send even more resources if required:

“Disasters do not recognize boundaries and in the spirit of humanity and friendship, the Western Cape extended its offer of support to the Australian government. The world has been shocked by the severity of the ongoing fires in Australia and we believe where we can make a difference, we should certainly try do so.”

“Over the past ten years we have built up a highly experienced network of firefighters, who have assisted other countries with wildfires in the past. Our initial offer to Australia includes a firefighting team of about forty highly experienced, wildland firefighters and a command element, with the possibility of expanding on this.”

Anton Bredell

Social media reacts

However, not everyone is impressed with this humanitarian offer. This was the general sentiment amongst the Twitter crowds of South Africa, who feel that local resources would be better used elsewhere:

Wow isn't this a slap on the face? So the Western Cape has money for Australia fires but zero money for water and sanitation in townships… Must be nice https://t.co/WC4qBbExJo pic.twitter.com/VLQPN5sueP

— Aaron's Mom (@amaivaaaron) January 8, 2020

Thoughts and prayers to Australia but damn Western Cape gotta spend resources on some other stuff right now.

— Nikesh Kooverjee 🚗 (@NikeshKooverjee) January 8, 2020

Bredell confirmed that their offer to send a team to fight the Australia fires has not yet been accepted, but remains on the table. The controversy has become a thorny issue, as the desire to help alleviate a climate change-related disaster should be commended. But a government must always be held to account on their spending.