The community of Robertson pulled together when many of its members were left displaced due to civil unrest two weeks ago.
Any expectations of a quiet Thursday afternoon, preparing for a long weekend, may well have suddenly been dashed when news of unrest in Nkqubela started spreading in Robertson. A sudden movement of more than 100 people, many women with babies, who were fleeing from a violent situation during the day, ended in front of and around the local police station.
“Concerned community members realised they had no water, no food or any other crucial hygiene supplies, nor would they have been able to return home for the night,” explained Elaine Harrison, a social worker in Robertson and member of the volunteer group that helped respond to the needs of displaced people.
A number of community members pooled their resources to address the situation.
Said Harrison: “An immediate effort was started by a few community members to address what was possible and a network of communication was activated to churches, businesses, farmers, organisations, and individuals.”
The numbers of those displaced by the unrest had grown by Friday morning.
“On Friday morning early the numbers started to grow, and the contributions started to become available,” Harrison said. “The Dutch Reformed church offered its hall for receipt and distribution of donations. Community volunteers requested people move across to the taxi rank for more shade and space and to clear the area around the police station. When planning started for provision of food, four cousins stepped up without hesitation and committed to prepare all the food, which continued until Saturday morning, and without the assistance of the staff at this restaurant it would have been impossible to provide food for more than 500 people by lunch time.”
Meanwhile, more volunteers from all walks of the community joined in, and a small coordinating team was quickly established to ensure communication and smooth running of the intervention.
“The community of Robertson and greater Langeberg joined in by contributing food products, clothes, water, specific supplies for babies and hygiene supplies for women and the whole group as well as some funding. The team of volunteers received and sorted all contributions in a space at the back of Four Cousins which was made available.
Everyone worked together to ensure smooth meal times with cooked meals, lots of water, bread and fruit, while some addressed the needs of the babies and mothers. “Staff members of Robertson Pharmacy came to offer a basic screening of people with needs for medicines left at home and provided ongoing basic medical support. LooKor donated some mobile toilets.”
By Friday afternoon the news was received that the situation was under control and many people returned to their homes. The last people went back to Nkqubela after breakfast on Saturday morning after confirmation was received from police that the situation is calm.
“Unfortunately, several homes were destroyed, some others were looted which left several community members without shelter and food,” Harrison said. “The volunteers are continuing to provide support with the available resources where needs are identified and verified but started a process to hand over the support to a local team in Nkqubela for follow up. Product donations are kept in a donated safe storage for further distribution and future use and funding in the bank account of a registered Non-profit organisation from where it will be made available for further immediate needs of future crisis in an accountable manner.”
Throughout, the sense of community and willingness to reach out and stand together to care for fellow community members was demonstrated.
“We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for each donation and to each volunteer,” Harrison said.
» The situation in Nqkubela has been under control since a meeting involving police, those involved and other stakeholders was held on Friday 18 March. Talks among the Langeberg Municipality, the South African Human Rights Commission and other stakeholders to resolve the situation are ongoing.
