#StrongerTogether: Readers share stories of hope during exceptionally trying times

During these exceptionally trying times, we’ve heard of some amazing stories of how people and communities have come together to help one another, right down to stories of neighbours helping neighbours with basics, like bread.

Below are some of the stories that have been shared with us, and now we share them with you!

Celenia Padayachee: My hometown (Shakaskraal). Never thought I would see the day it will be broken down like this, by its own people. Yet the community stands resolute and stands together. Bent, but not broken.

Jodi Natalie Chetty: It might not seem earth-shattering but it meant the world to me. I sent a message on our village chat (Blythedale Beach) because I was desperate for my chronic nasal spray. Within minutes, I had three neighbours with unopened sprays ready for pick up. Again, a small item but it’s super pricey and, without it, I am in extreme pain. That people were just willing to hand it over just about made me cry.

Sharon Reardon: Our community have banded together, doing shifts patrolling the area. Right through the night. Neighbours offering milk, others trying to help find baby formula, even trying to help get medication. It’s been amazing.

Sabelo Zwane: We must give a big thanks to those guys who worked tirelessly night and days in this cold weather protecting our food source during these trying times. We were able to get essentials because of them. I myself haven’t experienced any racism from the guys at those barricades. They let you through only if you know where you were going, not just driving/loitering around as it wasn’t safe to do so. The service they also provided was out of this world.

Nombuso Gcabashe: God bless them and protect their families. I have food at home because of the Ballito community. It’s very cold but they committed themselves and left their homes trying to protect the community, schools, shops and the Ballito clinic. It is where I get bread for my kids. Once again, thank you Ballito residents.

Kyle Alastair Bowman: My landlord and neighbour have helped me with bread and eggs, something I’ve been desperately trying to find standing long queues with no luck. They asked if I needed anything else but really I am ok for the next few days. However it touched my heart as we are a community, and it’s times like this that we remember how interconnected we are.

DUmie MiNnie MiNnie: A big shout out to the Ballito community, they stood up tall and protected Ballito and guess what, they did it for surrounding areas too. After everything that happened in other areas, including shopping centers and malls, now we can rely on Ballito. Hey, they saved many lives. These people are a good example. I salute everyone who protected Ballito. We need people like you.

Karen Burne: If it were not for the brave souls manning the checkpoints into various centers, the looting and destruction of property would have been devastating. We need to thank them from the bottom of our hearts.

Manton Xolani: On behalf of the Shayamoya and Shakaskraal communities we would like to thank (Ballito, Salt Rock, Brettenwood, Shaka’s Rock and surrounding neighborhoods) for spending their 67 minutes on Mandela Day with us at Shayamoya. Some of our community members didn’t know what was happening but now they are educated about 67 minutes. We really appreciate it.

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