#ThisIsUs: Durban unites at clean-up campaigns
Hundreds of people gathered to remove the mess left behind by looters who targeted the Massmart warehouse and other buildings.
FOLLOWING the unrest in July, Durban woman, Cindy Wadsworth initiated a Facebook group called Clean Up Durban, which attracted thousands of Durbanites to rally and start clean up campaigns.
Durban North residents Michaela Geytenbeek and Katie Pilinger, facilitated clean-up groups in Queen Nandi Drive, one of the worst hit areas. They also cleaned up Springfield Park and Cornubia.
“At times it was overwhelming. We used that word a lot while cleaning up,” said Geytenbeek.
She added that when she saw the Clean up Durban Facebook was up and running, she immediately wanted to help.
“I’m a helper. I love getting involved and doing my bit. As the group grew, and people started to see what we were doing, everyone joined in. We had massive support at Queen Nandi Drive on the Friday and at Cornubia on the Sunday, as it was Nelson Mandela Day,” said Geytenbeek.
Pilinger’s sentiments were no different to Geytenbeek’s.
“The cleaning was our goal but what was great about this, and especially after the horrible week we had, was to see unity. For me, that is what South Africa is about,” she said.
She added that although it was devastating to see that much destruction, it was wonderful to see the resilience of hundreds of South Africans. 
“That’s what I admire the most about us (South Africans). We are resilient. We bounce back. And our diversity is what brings us together,” said Pilinger.
Hundreds of people gathered to remove the mess left behind by looters who targeted the Massmart warehouse and other buildings.
People were seen coming in their numbers, with spades, gloves, brooms, and other tools to tidy up. Local stand-up comedian, Carvin Goldstone, who was part of the Queen Nandi Drive clean up, produced live feeds regularly urging his followers to assist.
“There are hundreds of people here who have no vested interest in Queen Nandi Drive but they want to help. They don’t live around here, they don’t work here but they came to help,” he said.
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