Prayers, pleas and promises

NO one can deny the dramatic affect last week’s tragic accident at the bottom of Field’s Hill has had on Pinetown and surrounding communities. There is mourning and loss as families come to terms with the death of loved ones. There is pain and suffering as the injured make the slow journey back to recovery. There is outrage and accusations, finger-pointing and a whole lot of political posturing as the hot potato labelled blame is passed from pillar to post.

But what has lifted my spirits and given me new hope and faith in the people that make up our community is an outpouring of support and brotherhood that transcends high walls and steel gates, bridges the gap between the haves and have-nots and erases the barriers of culture and language. In this horrible tragedy, we all stand united.

Campaigns have been launched to raise funds and collect donations for those who suffered the greatest loss. Those families who lost breadwinners; parents who will have to bury children and sons and daughters who face a future without a parent or grandparent.  I have no doubt that every little bit is going to help those who need it the most and I applaud the efforts of those who have rallied to set up collection points and will make sure care parcels reach their intended recipients. I urge our readers to support these campaigns whether it’s by donating an item of food or offering a financial contribution, every little bit will help.

What has touched me to the core is the groundswell of support for 23-year-old Sanele May.  Described as a humble young man who is traumatised and broken by the events of Thursday night, one cannot imagine the overwhelming burden of despair and guilt this young man has to bear.  Support Sanele May is a Facebook profile that has been set up and appeals have been made for people to come forward to help Sanele who is another victim in Thursday’s tragedy. Requests for clothing, food, trauma counselling and legal aid are on the list as well as Sanele’s own plea for a Bible, from which he will draw strength and comfort in the dark days that lie ahead.

Reading the comments posted on the Facebook page, I am moved to tears by the love and support from individuals across our communities. I am proud to be a part of this dynamic greater highway community. It is through the efforts of each and every one of us that the tragedy that has drawn us together will never be allowed happen again.

We have to make our voices louder and our actions bolder to hold authorities accountable for our safety. We have to say this far and no further. Field’s Hill is dangerous, we all know that and I’m sure we all have stories to tell about experiences on this notorious stretch of road.  Daring stories of youthful ignorance, tragic stories of loss and injury, stories of close shaves and negligent drivers.

This section of the M13 when first built was not meant for the heavy duty trucks that crawl up the hill to northern destinations, only to fly around its dangerous curves on their way to harbour depots. The fact is, there is an alternative route, a safer route and its use should be enforced. At the very least, Field’s Hill should have an arrestor bed, something that had it been in place could have avoided Thursday’s tragic events.

We want action to be taken by authorities. From the politicians and officials who set policy and have the power and means to make the necessary changes, to the traffic police on the ground who have the power to enforce road traffic laws; to the trucking company owners who are responsible for the maintenance and roadworthiness of their fleet and the competence and abilities of the drivers in their employ.

This is not an ambitious request, it is not impossible. It is right.

We want action, and we want it now.