As Tongaat tornado victims continue to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives, a Durban-based non-profit organisation, Green Buddies Environmental Club, conducted a clean-up campaign in Tongaat on Sunday.
Tongaat was the hardest hit when a tornado swept through the area earlier this month, leaving thousands homeless and 12 people dead.
At least 20 schools were damaged by the storm across the province, with Seatides Combined School being the worst affected.
Green Buddies chairperson Ashlin Ellan said the aim was to provide essential support to those in need, help facilitate the rebuilding process, and demonstrate the power of community solidarity.
“This initiative is not just about environmental stewardship but also about helping people reclaim their lives and homes after such a devastating event. Green Buddies Environmental Club, in collaboration with the Tongaat Civic Association, the Tongaat Disaster Management Committee and various other organisations, has taken the initiative to assist in cleaning up the affected areas, particularly in the Sandfields area,” said Ellan.
Sandfield resident Viloshnee Naidoo also welcomed the assistance of the Sri Sathya Saiglobal Council South Africa that offered to rebuilt one of her houses. She lost two houses and would be homeless if it was not for the council’s support.
“We had no insurance and lost everything. The house we are rebuilding was initially a double storey, but the tornado left it a single storey and that’s how it will be now. We are busy with renovations and in two weeks’ time should be able to move back home,” said Naidoo
New KZN premier Thulani Ntuli visited Magwaveni on Tuesday, where he directed all government departments to expedite service delivery initiatives.
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