Transnet pulls the plug on NSRI funding

No time is the wrong time for the unselfish men and women of the National Sea Rescue Institute who are suddenly without major donor Transnet after it pulled the plug on financial support for the volunteer organisation. This decision was clearly not made at the 11th hour, given that a 2008 pledge of R100 000 did not materialise, nor the likelihood of a further R100 000 promised by April. Operating from 30 coastal and three inland (dam) bases, the NSRI is totally dependent on donations to cover its annual R17 million operational expenses, government contributing less than 10%. Ian Wienburg, CEO of the NSRI, doubts whether there is anyone at Transnet National Ports Authority head office to whom he has not spoken about the dilemma, telephone calls, faxes and e-mails going unanswered. “It is sad to me that we have 880 volunteers who respond immediately at any time of the day or night to Transnet’s requests for help at sea – and while they all commend us on a fine job, there is no sense from their head office staff that our volunteers should be given funding punctually or with enthusiasm.” Transnet, a ‘platinum’ member of the NSRI, held talks with the sea rescue organisation at week’s end but no comment was forthcoming.