Ubuntu in the face of terror, Westbrook unites for elderly

While everyone was trying to come to terms with the looting and vandalism of shops around the North Coast, many residents were stepping up to help and protect one another.

From mothers needing formula and nappies to nurses who were unable to leave the hospital and needed meals, whatever the need a willing hand quickly rose to help.

There are countless stories of neighbours who shared food and holidaymakers who had no food or essentials who quickly had their pantries stocked by generous residents.

A great many residents and businesses also provided food and drinks to the volunteers at the barricades in and around Ballito.

Residents of Westbrook came together and helped senior citizens with food at the Westbrook Retirement Village.

Yvonne Roodt from the Westbrook Methodist Church said there were about 70 people at the retirement village who had run out of food.

“Thank you to all the people and restaurants who contributed in helping the retirement village. It is appreciated,” said Roodt.

Debbie Louw and her husband from Johannesburg could not get food anywhere in Ballito so their daughter posted on Facebook, asking for help.

Louw said Ballito residents gave them bread, baked beans, fruits and tuna which was enough to keep them going until shops reopened.

“We have been visiting Ballito for the past 42 years and recently bought a place, planning to retire here. What was done for us shows us just how amazing the residents of Ballito are. Thank you,” she said.

The Coming Home Organisation (CHO) also took the initiative to help disadvantaged families by providing food parcels.

They donated 11 food parcels to the community of Nkobongo on Saturday, July 17.

“Lots of families were affected by the recent riots, which is why we saw a need to lend a helping hand. We wish to help as many people as we can but we are also restricted by funding, so we chose the families based on their needs. Child-headed households and those containing the elderly were our priority,” said CHO project manager Khanyi Mdluli.

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