Heroic efforts applauded
But the risk remained and they needed to organise security for the goods in transit.
A ‘Community of Heroes‘ wall has been set-up to thank people who worked tirelessly to safeguard the South Coast during the recent turmoil and unrest
Owner of Uvongo Spar, Sohail Peerzada, recently had a wall outside the store painted by self-taught artist Ebraham Riccolin Moodley (20), as a tribute to all the heroes.
Ricollin, as he is fondly known, from Shelly Beach is a talented artist who can paint everything, even portraits.
Sohail now encourages everyone who participated in safeguarding their town to write their names on the wall.
Reflecting on what transpired two weeks ago, he said that out of the calamity rose a stronger and united community.
“We commend the community who stood together and fought for what they believed in. To the police, emergency services, security companies and the public who were involved, you are truly heroes in our eyes. This wall will remind us of what happened and how it is important as a community to remain united,” he said.
Sohail and his wife, Günseli said the initial panic buying left them with empty shelves, and with no prospect of deliveries from their main Spar distribution centre in Durban.
Unable to get a truck, they got help from Angelique Janse van Rensburg and Adolf Oosthuizen from Helping Hands who pulled out all the stops and managed to somehow secure a truck to drive to Durban, to collect an order from Spar’s distribution centre.
But the risk remained and they needed to organise security for the goods in transit.
“By some miracle, we were contacted by Joffré Hannaway, who along with a group of selfless volunteers, offered to provide the security for the truck of groceries to be collected in the volatile and high risk environment of Phoenix Industrial Park.”
Without a hitch, the truck arrived safely in Uvongo.
“We then proceeded to settle his account for the services rendered, but when asked how much we owe them, Joffre refused to accept payment. They insisted that it was their duty to the community to make sure people had food to eat! South Coasters, there are seemingly ordinary people among you who have shown us all what it means to rise above and beyond the call of duty. They have embodied the meaning of community and who deserve all the accolades. We are Ubuntu!”
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
