Foreign nationals who were displaced after incidents of xenophobia in Bredasdorp, are slowly but surely starting to rebuild their lives and homes.
Some managed to flee only with what they could carry and lost all their possessions when looters descended upon their homes. Others were luckier and managed to salvage some belongings.
Lana O’Neill of Heavenly Promise NGO says although things have returned to a measure of normalcy, those affected by the xenophobic attacks are still struggling to pick up the pieces of their lives.
“Everything has quietened down, including the donations that came in after the unrest,” O’Neill stated. “Most of these people returned to homes where all their possessions – clothes, furniture, food – were either looted or damaged. They need assistance.”
The most needed items are crockery, cutlery, pots and pans, gas or two-plate stoves, lamps, towels and bedding.
“Heavenly Promise donated 30 towels and blankets. More is needed.”
According to O’Neill, it is nearly impossible for the foreign nationals to replace what they have lost as they use most of their income to support their families in their countries of birth.
“One or two said they want to return to Malawi or Zimbabwe. The majority said they have to remain here, because they went through hell to reach South Africa, crossing crocodile infested rivers and enduring unbearable hardships. Even though they have returned to their homes, they are still living in fear, because they don’t know if they will be attacked and forced to flee again.”
Displaced foreign nationals were accommodated at the local mosque and Die Glaskasteel community hall. During this period, O’Neill was informed of a woman who was going into labour and who was walking to the local clinic.
“I found her close to the police station. Besides the fact that she was experiencing labour pains, she was also extremely fearful. She feared that the hospital would not help her because she is a foreigner, and she was worried what would happen to her baby, should she not get the necessary help. She had absolutely nothing for the baby.”
After dropping the woman off at the hospital and ensuring that she received the necessary medical care, O’Neill made an urgent appeal for help on social media.
Her husband Dean O’Neill came to the rescue by donating funds to buy baby clothes, toiletries and nappies. Other benefactors also came to the woman’s aid.
Anyone who wishes to make a donation, can contact Lana O’Neill on 061 856 6764 or drop goods off at the Safe House in Long Street, Bredasdorp or during office hours at the Hermanus Times offices in the Birkenhead Building at 34 Main Road (between Clicks and the NG Church).