#WomensMonth: Brave Sash brings hope

“WOMEN must never feel that they do not have a space in society, no matter their circumstances.”

These are the words of one of Queensburgh’s phenomenal women, Sash Singh.

The 50-year-old continues to soldier on and fight for other people’s rights despite being a victim of gender-based violence herself.

Her experience with gender-based violence led her to be confined to a wheelchair for two years, and Singh is still very emotional as she remembers the challenges she and her children faced during that difficult time.

In 2020, Singh and her two children were hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It was a hard time – we could not do anything and never had any help, so after we recovered, we realised that there were a lot of people who were suffering. I could not sit and do nothing. We were also struggling financially, but we made soup and went around the community to drop it off, especially to the elderly people.

“We also took some medication to them. We would go to people’s houses, knock and leave it at their doorsteps. We also put a note with uplifting words,” she said.

It was through her selfless work that the Department of Social Development heard about the wonderful deeds she was doing for her community.

“They advised me to start an organisation, and with their help, my non-profit organisation, Sash of Hope, was born. With everything I have experienced, I am still positive and I have too much hope – that keeps me going.”

She said the past few years have been a struggle for most people.

“Just as people were recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic – the lockdowns and the restrictions – there was the looting. I was at the forefront, getting people to barricade the area and patrol,” she said.

During the floods, which left people homeless and hundreds dead, knowing what it was like being homeless, Singh said she fought for the Queensburgh Community Hall to be opened to the victims.

“We had more than 300 people in the hall. I was overwhelmed – what were the people going to eat? But when we got the word out, we had a lot of support from the community – the Queensburgh community definitely stepped up and assisted with food, clothes and blankets, and I will forever be grateful to them.

“My children and I practically stayed there, assisting the people, and the challenge was that there was no water and electricity.”
Describing herself as a humanitarian, Singh is the chairperson of the Queensburgh Ratepayers’ Association which was formed last year November.

“The association was started to help people with basic service delivery. We are not supporting any political party or fighting with the City; actually, I have a good relationship with the eThekwini Municipality. Our heart is for the people,” she said.

Giving back…

Each year, around the 16 Days of Activism, Singh, with the help of her son and daughter, organises an event where they honour victims of gender-based violence.

“Victims of gender-based violence are not only women but also men – I do work with a lot of male victims,” she said.

Singh said she always advises people to go out and seek help – if you cannot get it in one place, go to the next one – do not give up as eventually, someone will listen to you and help.

“If I can do it, I believe everyone can. I also tell victims to share their stories and experiences as it can help another person in the same situation,” she said.

Although she does not have much to offer financially, the dedicated Singh also works closely with schools, does community outreach programmes, distributes sanitary pads for girls, works with Disaster Management and is very much involved in issues involving human trafficking.

Recently, she and the ratepayers’ association hosted a programme where the community was taught First Aid for free.

Singh thanked her children, Tiara and Shahden, who have been her pillars of strength and are always helping in her outreach programmes.

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