Community rallies together to restore calm
Throughout ward 64, people have joined hands to manage traffic flow at key intersections, form community patrol groups as well as clean up teams.
FOLLOWING the upheaval caused by the past week’s civil unrest, the unity of community members working together to restore calm brings a glimmer of hope.
Throughout ward 64, people have joined hands to manage traffic flow at key intersections, form community patrol groups as well as clean up teams.
Woodhaven resident, Good-Enough Molefe shared that he was relieved the commotion and dust had settled in the ward. “It has been very hectic. But it was for the first time that we all came together as residents for a common cause across colour lines. Everyone came voluntarily to prevent anything and anyone from damaging our small community. We manned the two roadblock entries into the area and fortunately, we didn’t have any violent incidents. We made it our responsibility to protect our shopping centre in Yellowwood Park, which was untouched in the looting action in the area.”
Two road patrollers at the Kenyon Howden Road and Halifax Road intersection, Bradford Ray and Wally de Silver said that the atmosphere was hostile in Montclair and Woodlands when the riots began at the beginning of last week. “We had to be strict. Now that some stability has been restored, as road patrollers we have been more lenient when it comes to managing the cars coming and out of the area. Everyone has come together and we’re working well. We have even formed friendships during this hard time.”
One of the volunteers who helped clean up Shoprite in Montclair, Bonginkosi Thamela shared he was devastated to see what had become of the store which he shops at regularly. “I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with emotion when I saw the damage that was caused by the looters. I am friends with some of the staff who work here and I can’t help but wonder whether they will overcome this storm and still be able to keep their jobs. They have families that they need to feed and take care of. It’s a very sad situation. Helping to clean up the store, was my way of helping out in hopes that it will re-open soon. People are hungry, jobs are at stake. My main hope is that things will return to normal,” he said.
