Bruce and Paul Rencken of Ballito write:

Throughout this extremely volatile situation, thanks to the efforts of so many in our incredible community, the safety of the greater Ballito area and its communities remained paramount.

We can be extremely thankful that Ballito escaped the looting and destruction that was the order of the day in many other parts of KZN.

There has been an unprecedented coming together of people on the North Coast and it may be the case that life, the Ballito way, will never be quite the same again.

As individuals and collectively, the people of the greater Ballito area have been nothing short of brilliant!

Without the mammoth effort of the Greater Ballito Operations Centre (GBOC) to pull the various players together and to keep Ballito safe, we would not have businesses to supply us with daily essentials and more.

Retail has been significantly impacted, yet all landlords and retailers have worked together, adopting a cautious approach and taking guidance from the GBOC security cluster to ensure a co-ordinated, phased and responsible opening of retail, ensuring the safe and equitable distribution of food and essential services.

It’s genuinely heartening to know that business competitors can work together amicably when decisions need to be made for the greater good.

The safety, security and unity of Ballito must remain our “guiding star” as we return to normality, followed closely by food security and assistance for those in need.

It is vital that we assist with the provision of basic essentials to our neighbouring communities inland of Ballito, where shops have been destroyed.

South Africa has faced yet another seemingly insurmountable hurdle, yet the collective power of unity and good has stood out across communities everywhere.

Collaboration, resilience and, most importantly, hope has prevailed. We truly are stronger together.

Letter shortened – BS