Salt Rock non-profit repairs and restocks 40 vandalised and looted spaza shops

One man’s hope to see small uninsured shops restocked and repaired in the wake of wide-scale looting has seen more than R600 000 raised to do just that.

Salt Rock non-profit organisation, Hearts that Hope started the Stock a Shop initiative to get looted businesses back on their feet.

To date 26 shops between Nkobongo and Shayamoya have been restocked wand another 14 stores have had damage repaired.

Many of these smaller businesses serve as vital supply lines to township residents.

Salt Rock local and Hearts that Hope non-profit founder, Kent Vanderyacht said support for the initiative continued to grow.

An independent business consultant for Hearts that Hope, Kathy Tucker said about 60 small scale businesses had been affected.

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With the money raised, they will now be able to help another 40 businesses along the R102 between Ballito and KwaDukuza.

The next phase will see them include an additional 27 businesses in Ntshawini.

“The support we have received has been phenomenal and we are beyond grateful to all those who continue to help us get these businesses up and running again,” said Kent.

For many of the businesses assisted restarting was a daunting, if not impossible task.

“With your donations, we can help them get a head start in rebuilding their businesses, while also providing a vital supply to the affected communities. Many did not know where their next meal would come from. These communities are desperate to get these shops operating again,” said Kent.

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Shayamoya resident Brian Ntuli said that without the help he received it would have taken him more than a year to reopen his store.

Brian has been living in Shayamoya for over a decade and opened his store 4 months ago after completing a diploma in financial management at Chief Albert Luthuli Umfolozi College.

“The looters came in through the roof after being unable to break through the door and walls. Everything was stolen, even my fridge! Nothing was left in my shop. It was horrible but, Hearts that Hope came to my rescue,” said Brian.

He is now helping Hearts that Hope locate other businesses in need.

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To support the Stock a Shop fundraising initiative visit heartsthathope.com/stock-a-shop or contact chantelle@heartsthathope.com.

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