At Ulwazi we are proud of South Africa. We acknowledge that we have only just emerged from a difficult time in out history, but we have seen great changes in our country over the past twenty years, and things are changing for the positive. South Africans are an incredible people who have great capacity for caring for others, as evidenced in the spirit of Ubuntu, something that is more than just a catch phrase and can be seen on the streets of Durban on any given day. But not today it would seem.
Durbanites are hanging their heads in shame at what has happened over the past weeks, with people from neighbouring countries being violently pushed out of the city. It’s simply not acceptable, and people are standing up and saying so. For the most part the residents of eThekwini are horrified at what has happened in our home town, and yesterday they banded together to say so. A predominantly peaceful march took place between Curries Fountain and the City Hall (click here to see snippets from the day), with people chanting “say no to xenophobia”.
While the Ulwazi team is greatly saddened by the violence that has filled our TV screens and social media reports over the past two weeks, we are given hope in the strength of our people who have not only spoken out against these horrific xenophobic attacks, but who have also tried to help victims through food and clothing donations.
If you too would like to offer a hand to those in need you can do so by donating goods to the Red Cross who are assisting at the camps that have been set up to house people displaced by the violence. Below is a list of the items that are most needed. For further information contact the Red Cross directly on 031-563 2914.
- Paper plates and cups
- Long life milk
- Bread
- Peanut butter / jam
- Sugar, tea, coffee
- Canned foods
- Salt
- Biscuits
- Juice concentrates
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Soap
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Nappies, purity
- Toilet rolls
Photograph courtesy of www.micaeladefreitas.com