When floodwaters swallowed “The Pitt Bull Sanctuary South Africa”, their desperate plea for help echoed across social media… and South Africans answered. In a matter of hours, a community came together, turning panic into action and proving once again that compassion knows no bounds.
Johannesburg, South Africa (06 March 2025) – There are moments that prove just how powerful unity can be. Yesterday, “The Pitt Bull Sanctuary South Africa” – a refuge for misunderstood power breeds that have suffered extreme neglect and abuse – faced a crisis. Floodwaters engulfed their Benoni sanctuary, leaving their rescued dogs stranded in rising water.
With nowhere to turn, they sent out a desperate plea for help… and the response was overwhelming.
The sanctuary is dedicated to providing a secure space for dogs that have been so severely damaged they cannot be rehomed, yet still deserve love, care, and a place to live in peace. But when floodwaters consumed the property, that safe haven was suddenly at risk.
Taking to social media, the team at “The Pitt Bull Sanctuary SA” shared a harrowing video of their sanctuary submerged in water, with dogs standing helplessly as the flood levels rose around them.
Their message was urgent, raw, and filled with desperation.
“The Sanctuary has a crisis. Benoni and surrounds was hit by a serious flood. Our property is lower than street level. There is no drainage system that can catch this much water. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to move this water out. The water on the property is between 30 and 50cm deep. Even if the floors were lifted, it would not fix this. Can one somehow pump the water out? How do I do this with only a generator as a tool? Are there emergency pumping places out there? How much do they charge? Where can I instantly find the cash for it? Are there any people out there willing to let me use big wooden air transport crates for tonight? These dogs can’t stand like this. I don’t know what to do. Please can anyone help. Anyone. I am beyond desperate here.”
The post struck a chord, and in true South African fashion, the community wasted no time in answering the call.
What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. Within hours, offers of help flooded in. People shared advice, donated equipment and offered hands-on assistance. Individuals stepped forward with water pumps, generators, wooden pallets and blankets – anything that could help get the sanctuary back on its feet.
By 11pm, an update from Justin Coetzee brought much-needed relief, “All puppies are safe. And relocated. From our side, 1Life Fire and Rescue, we would like to thank each and every one that came to assist. The little ones—this was a huge team effort. Thanks to all shelters that also took hands, even all the way from Roodepoort and around. Well done, guys and girls.”
And in the early hours of the morning, at 12:29am, “The Pitt Bull Sanctuary SA” shared yet another hopeful update, a video showing members of the community still working tirelessly to help.
This is the spirit of South Africa. When faced with adversity, we show up for one another. When help is needed, we don’t hesitate. While the immediate crisis has passed, the sanctuary still has a long road ahead in repairing the damage and ensuring the safety of their rescues. If you would like to assist in any way, you can contact Christelle van Heerden from “The Pitt Bull Sanctuary South Africa” on 0823478212 or at pitbullsanctuarysa@gmail.com.
In times of crisis, it’s not just about the help offered—it’s about the kindness, the unwavering support and the willingness to stand together. And yesterday, South Africans did just that.
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