Durban Community Stands With ‘Nev the Barber’ After Stroke Scare

Photo Credit: Supplied by Robyn Joubert De Villiers

In just 12 days, an incredible community has rallied around its favourite barber, Neville Ebelthite, raising over R221,000 to cover his medical expenses after suffering two strokes recently.

Durban, South Africa (10 July 2026) – Neville Ebelthite, known to many friends and clients as ‘Nev the Barber’, is so much more than his job title.

For years, he has done far more than cut hair; he has built friendships, shared laughs, offered advice and made people feel welcome. His Durban North barber shop is a place where people get so much more than a trim or beard grooming; they experience “kiff cuts” and “laka vibes”.

When his family, friends and community learned the shocking news that Neville had suffered two strokes two weeks ago, they banded together without hesitation to support the dad, husband and friend to many.

It was on Wednesday, 24 June, while at work doing what he loved, that Nev suddenly collapsed after suffering a stroke. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors discovered a stroke in his cerebellum that was putting dangerous pressure on his brainstem. Although he gradually lost his hearing, some movement and parts of his speech, he remained conscious.

Early on Thursday morning, Nev took a turn for the worse. A second, much larger stroke caused severe swelling in his brain. He was rushed into emergency surgery to insert a drain and relieve the pressure. While the surgery could not reverse the damage, it was done to give Nev the best possible chance at recovery.

Nev remains in hospital and, this week, had his feeding tube, as well as the drain and monitor in his brain, removed.

His beautiful wife, Simone, and their two children currently find themselves facing an uncertain future, with many unforeseen costs ahead of them on a single salary.

Photo Credit: Supplied by Robyn Joubert De Villiers

But hope has remained alive and relentless during this family’s trying time. Their community has not only covered them with love and prayers, but also dug deep to help raise the funds needed to cover Nev’s medical expenses.

In just 12 days, R221,086 has been raised through a crowdfunding campaign! A remarkable showcase of the love and support that has poured in for Nev.

In appreciation of this public support, a message was shared on Nev’s social media page, thanking every heart that has empathised with Nev and his family at this time:

“We have been so overwhelmed by the love and support for Nev after he suffered a catastrophic stroke and was admitted to ICU. Nev had many clients in the chair who became friends, and the family has been so blown away by the love people have for him.”

A newly formed Stand With Nev page has also been sharing updates on Nev’s progress and acknowledged the doctors, nurses and medical experts who have been helping him on the road to recovery.

As Nev shows signs of movement in his arm, hand and jaw, hope continues to overtake any feelings of despair.

Everyone is rooting for you, Nev, and there is every bit of faith that you will overcome this battle.

You can leave a donation here to stand with Nev.