KwaZulu-Natal cries out for compassion

The people of this country and, more specifically, this province, have suffered more than their fair share of trauma over the past two or so years.

First it was the Covid pandemic, during which many lost loved ones, a number of whom died and were buried in solitude and separation from those who would have been at their side in the final hours.

Businesses closed down and jobs were lost; in some cases entire sectors of the economy were brought to their knees.

Then came the infamous looting, spearheaded by those whose questionable individual desires were put above the greater good of the many, and who misled thousands of ordinary citizens into believing that is was okay to steal, commit arson and destroy property.

The price of that folly is still being paid today as many communities are still without access to shops at centres that were razed to the ground.

It was not only those who were robbed of their businesses and their jobs who cried; it was also those who shed angry tears at the wanton destruction and the level to which their fellow citizens had sunk.

Even today, it pains to ride past the skeletons of the oncethriving shopping malls.

Now we are witnessing the third great suffering in a decade that is still in its early stages.

This as the power of nature was unleashed on the province in the form of four days of unrelenting and savage rainfall.

The storm was no respecter of person: it destroyed upmarket apartment blocks and humble shacks, and swallowed tarred highways and rural dirt tracks.

But of course, it was those living in the most vulnerable of situations that were worst affected.

Authorities are still tallying the tragic loss of lives, property, pets, schools, bridges, roads and more.

An economy already on its knees must now find the means to rebuild the province, for which a national state of disaster has been declared.

However, while government does what it can to relieve the plight of the needy and restore the overall situation, it is now that the better side of mankind must come to the fore.

We have already seen the brave and unselfish dedication to duty of both those in uniform, and the host of volunteers who have committed themselves to search and rescue efforts, at times risking their own lives.

Now the call is to the wider public, to join the massive relief efforts that many organisations – supported by generous donations from the business sector – have begun.

Within the pages of this newspaper you will find the names and bank account numbers of trustworthy groups to which you can donate cash, food, supplies or any other form of material help.

Don’t feel despondent if your own situation does not allow you to help in this way: your prayers, tears and human kindness can also accomplish much.