Banding together in the face of adversity
Category Industry News
Like the overwhelming majority of South Africans, it was with a heavy heart that we watched the chaos in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng over the past two weeks. South Africa, as a country, has dealt with a great deal, but the scenes that played out north of us, was something we have not seen in decades and it is understandable to feel great anxiety, and fear, in the face of what took place.
It's impossible to spin the unrest into something positive and with the eyes of the world on us, now more than ever, South Africans needed to reclaim their sense of community and faith in the country. Time and time again, we, as South Africans, have shown incredible tenacity in the face of great odds and with the pandemic forcing us to the edge of the cliff, the looting and protest action in KZN and Gauteng looked increasingly likely to push us over...
Thankfully, once again, we saw the majority of the country band together in the face of adversity, uniting against a minority desperate to sow seeds of doubt and disunity in our democracy. While the looting showed the cracks in our young democracy, the reaction to it illustrated the great pride - and hope - that the bulk of South Africans have in making this country a better place for all and not let it fail.
This is what gives us hope and is what we choose to lean into.
From taxi drivers - so often vilified - to unemployed youth, South Africans across the country, not only in the effected provinces, rallied together to protect properties and lives.
Stories of community members forming human barricades around shopping centres, factories and local businesses abounded, while the birth of the #notinmycommunity movement was founded in the face of the violence and unrest in the country.
Community watch patrols also sprang into action around KZN and Gauteng to ensure that their neighbourhoods were kept safe and, in many cases, ensured that the unrest did not spill over into their communities.
In several parts of Mpumalanga, taxi drivers, owners and community members thwarted several riots apparently aimed at looting shopping centres, while in Limpopo, residents, businesspeople and taxi associations joined forces to prevent looting and vandalising of shopping centres.
It was much the same in the Western Cape, with local communities making it known that they would not allow the unrest to spill over into the province. These were all stark reminders of the belief that the citizens of this country still believe it is worth saving and that in times of great tragedy, we are at our strongest.
The same can be said for the clean-up that has begun in KZN and Gauteng this week, with volunteers joining en-masse to aid in the operations and get the provinces back to 'normal' as soon as possible. Hashtags like #cleanupsouthafrica and #cleanupgauteng were a clarion call for those who wanted to get involved, while the Facebook group Rebuild South Africa had almost 60 000 members at the time of writing, with locals wanting to know how they could support those effected by the unrest.
Cleaning companies and construction companies offered their services in aid of the clean-up, while logistics companies arranged drop-off and collection points for much-needed supplies. The page is also full of individuals offering their help in any way they can.
Many are unemployed, simply looking to lend a hand in the name of their communities - giving selflessly simply because they are willing and able. It is a hugely positive response and one you will struggle to find in many other places around the world. South Africa has its fair share of problems, but our community spirit is as strong as it has ever been.
We at The Agency Property Group have always believed in the strength of our community, not just in the areas we work, but across the Western Cape, and South Africa as a whole. As a country, we do not always get it right and we stumble - often - but the past two weeks have again shown us all that while we have a lot of work still to do, we also have the people who are willing to roll up their sleeves to do it.
We certainly count ourselves amongst those willing to work towards a prosperous future for all and look forward to moving into a better future for the country that we love.
Author: The Agency Property Group
