Warwick Chapman, Greater Ballito Operations Committee (GBOC) chief executive writes:

Dear people of Ballito and surrounding areas,

Well done for pulling together.

Over the last quarter of a century we have not had to be more courageous, more responsive, more level headed and more servant hearted than this last week.

When it seemed that the world was falling around us, that we were under attack from all sides, that no one else was coming to save us:

That is when we stood up. 

That is when we said no. Not in our town.

We will not give in to fear.

We will not be divided by age, race or gender. 

We will stand together.

We will defend each other.

We will care for each other.

We will serve each other.

Today, on Mandela Day, it could not be a more poignant time to reflect and enjoy this victory. Yes the strife is not over, but bonds of community that have formed will endure.

We will overcome. Yes there is inflammatory, violent and threatening misinformation circulating, but the real enemy to our peace and community is apathy.

Also read: Call for fresh volunteers to protect Ballito

If we stay active and engaged we can build the momentum towards a safe and secure future. We have all seen the incredible benefit of actively engaging with each other around a common goal.

Let’s build on this incredible foundation, let’s turn the Greater Ballito area into the most well organised, equitable and prosperous community in our beautiful country. 

Let us not look for ways to separate ourselves, rather commit yourself today, as you did many times over the cold nights on the bridges and support centres, to serve your neighbours.

Commit to find ways to pull together, for the benefit of all who live in our beautiful area.

The GBOC team continues to work to coordinate the efforts of the community, working with local government, NPO’s and other stakeholders to ensure our collective safety and security, as well as the longer term goals of forming a well organised, equitable and prosperous community.

We are currently working to formalise this structure to ensure its longevity and legitimacy.

Also read: Ballito to remove barricades but will continue to man observation posts and patrol town

Although we represent and serve a larger geographic area, we will communicate under the brand and web domain of ballito.info which remains a portal for volunteers and community communication.

Thanks again to everyone of you, for working together and supporting this special community.

Stay safe, stay beautiful – Ballito, you good thing.