Out of the ashes… united we stand
There has also been support from KwaNzimakwe Chief Inkosi Bhekizizwe Nzimakwe and Chief Lunga Baleni from the Eastern Cape.
History was made last Friday when communities from either side of the R61 near Leisure Bay unanimously agreed it was time to unite and work together for a better future.
This turning point came after violent looting and protests destroyed the shopping centre in Port Edward, and brought tension to the seaside village of Leisure Bay and surrounding areas.
Recently, Looking After Leisure Bay (LALB), in conjunction with Wayne Nel, owner of the Caltex garage in Kinderstrand Street in Leisure Bay, have been working together to bring all the communities together, and so far it has been a success.
Nel’s vision of bringing Port Edward, Munster, Palm Beach, Leisure Bay and KwaNzimakwe together has gained momentum and non-profit organisations, community leaders, traditional authorities, sporting associations, taxi associations, farmers, school principals and private security company GP Security have climbed onboard in full support.
There has also been support from KwaNzimakwe Chief Inkosi Bhekizizwe Nzimakwe and Chief Lunga Baleni from the Eastern Cape.
Last week, members of LALB, Leisure Bay Neighbourhood Watch (LBNW) and community members collected forklifts, trolleys and looted items from the township and have been returning them to their rightful owners in Port Edward.
At a recent soccer match, Pastor Themba Mkhize with the commander of the army appealed to the community to return stolen items. Those who returned the items would not be arrested.
Vanessa Murray, founder of LALB said the owner of Amos Hardware, which was badly hit had offered his big truck to assist.
“This is incredible to see from someone who has lost so much,” said Vanessa.
She said it has been incredible to see the good come out of the bad and to see all communities across race, colour and religions coming together for the common purpose of building a better future. A special thanks to Wayne for being the catalyst behind bringing these communities together.
Last Friday, members from LALB and LBNW along with community members of KwaNzimakwe went out again to retrieve the remainder of the looted items.
On the same day, a meeting was also held at the Nzimakwe Traditional Administrative Centre with Chief Inkosi Nzimakwe and some of the indunas, members of LALB and LBNW and Pastor Mkhize.
It was agreed at the meeting that together they can pave the way for a brighter and better future.
Pastor Mkhize said that they need to work together and be an example not only to other towns in South Africa, but to the world.
“Given the riots and looting that our community has endured, it’s up to me to give assurance that a few criminals don’t define a community. We, the community of all races were able to come together and protect one another in true citizenship,” said Pastor Mkhize in a letter, which was handed over last Friday.
Cliff Holme, chairman of the LBNW, said they have many plans to uplift and work alongside the community of Nzimakwe by setting up neighbourhood watches, rugby clinics for the youngsters and litter runs with the LALB to clean-up the area.
Inkosi Nzimakwe agreed, and said they must work hand-in-hand, and asked God to bless them to work together.
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