AS the sun peaks through for the first time since the devastating storm on Monday night, the Malvern community has evoked the true sense of Ubuntu as they united to support rescuers and volunteers, assisting the Durban flood victims.
While the community has joined hands to assist, they are still reeling from shock after seven people where killed in a mudslide at a single home in Ellen Road.
ALSO READ: VIDEO: Malvern death toll rises to 7
Various emergency services were called to the scene at about 1am on Tuesday (23 April).
The first day after this year’s long Easter weekend has been one of the worst in Durban’s recent history with more than 30 deaths being recorded in the greater Durban area following a cut-off-low storm, which swept into the city, overwhelming the ground with torrential rains and winds, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Brenda Blose, a member of the Roosfontein Neighbourhood Watch and community activist became involved after she was contacted by her neighbourhood watch and sprung to work.
“There is only one way to describe the community and emergency response on the day itself, and that is Ubuntu. Volunteers and the community all pitched in. Just seeing them all come together at a time like this is very heartwarming,” said Blose, who managed to get donations of food and water as well as other essential items from Pick n Pay and the KwikSpar in the community.
Blose said she originally went to Pick n Pay to buy some supplies for the emergency personnel herself, but when the manager heard what she was doing the store decided to help out far more than she had ever expected.
“Ashley from Pick n Pay Malvern responded almost immediately to my request. As I began to explain the current situation at Ellen Road, he didn’t even want me to complete my explanation he said, ‘we know what is happening, we are fully aware, and we are happy to help.’ My initial request was just water and some Energades but within 15 minutes Ashley and his team had come through to the site and they had prepared food, they had brought various drinks and supplies and water, not just for the emergency service and personnel that were actually working but even for people at the scene. Pick n Pay really got on board and fed the community,” said Blose.
Three women, aged 30, 27 and 32, and a man, aged 34, need all possible help that can be provided since they have lost all their clothing, shoes and possessions. The man wears a size 32 pants and size 8 shoes, and the ladies are sizes 40, 36, 34 or 32 and shoe sizes 7, 6 and 5 or 6, respectively.
“These people have lost everything as well as family members, so any help anyone can offer them would be very gratefully accepted,” said Blose.
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