The flooding not only affected those in informal settlements, but it also washed away the hard work of informal recyclers and forced men to seek safety in trees.
Centurion, South Africa – Hundreds of people were affected by the floods, and hundreds more got involved in helping them. People living in shacks were hit hardest as were the informal recyclers of the area.
Tarryn Johnston asked her community for help and was blown away by how many people stepped forward to offer assistance.
“When I asked for help this morning I was in tears, just after 5.30 am I raced down the road to join Stefan and saw the most devastating sight, people stranded with their homes and belongings washed away with the floods, completely overwhelmed I reached out for assistance.
Never in a million years did I expect to receive as much or as many amazing humans with open hearts just giving and giving abundantly to the Bagarezi community.
There were 3 guys who had climbed a tree for safety which ended up needing to be a rescue situation, the rescue divers assisted them to land and we gathered everyone outside Supersport park Centurion who kindly opened their gates for us to be sheltered from the unrelenting rains.”
Once everyone was settled at Supersport Park, food arrived.
“Dare 2 Love arrived with food, water, tea and coffee, Stan, Jason and team were absolutely amazing.
Doringkloof family church and Lewendewoord church began a community drive for food, clothes, shoes, blankets which were pouring in all day.
I still had plastic bags in my car from the weekend cleanup and handed these out for people to use as raincoats PlasticsSA
One of the guys needed medical attention and I reached out to a few groups and within a matter of minutes an ambulance arrived and took him to the hospital to be treated for hypothermia”
Tarryn then got some accommodation sorted for the 100 plus people who were left homeless.
“We arranged temporary accommodation for +-100 men, women and children through the City Of Tshwane. Disaster Management arrived with 100 mattresses and blankets. City Food Bank arrived with more blankets, food, toiletries etc”
Tarryn was so thankful to every person that helped care for the community.
“Relief was provided in a way which was honestly something to behold, I have never witnessed anything like this in my life.
The abundant food supply received is something from out of this world, there is clothing for everyone, shoes for all.
The smiles on the faces of the people who just lost the very little that they have, allowing themselves to receive was a priceless gift.
A massive Thank You to all of you who were involved, whether it was on-site, or remotely, is treasured and valued, this is a day which I will never forget and forever cherish
People of Centurion are absolutely amazing”
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