When disaster strikes, South Africans don’t hesitate: we rally, we show up, and we help each other through even the most bizarre circumstances. This weekend, a rare snowstorm trapped thousands of people, including my parents, but the outpouring of unity and kindness proved once again that in times of need, the heart of our nation beats as one.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (September 22, 2024) – When South Africans are called upon, they show up – every time. It’s something that is deeply ingrained in the fabric of our nation. Whether it’s floods, fires or something unexpected like a snowstorm, we stand together to help each other, no questions asked.
South Africa was reminded again of that beautiful unity this weekend.
A freak snowstorm hit the country, blanketing roads and communities with heavy snow over the weekend. The snowfall was so intense that it caused major disruption, leaving thousands of people stranded on roads, particularly along the N3 highway, which connects Johannesburg to Durban. Even with diversions in place, it was almost impossible to move around.
Warnings of possible snow and cold weather were given days in advance, but no one expected it to be as bad as it was – especially not in the spring! The snowstorm that raged this weekend is considered by some to be the worst since 1912.
I was in London for work when I woke up to the alarming news: my parents were among the thousands trapped at Van Reenen’s Pass. They had been stuck for 12 hours, completely snowed in, with a depth of almost a metre. Their car was undriveable, a blizzard was raging outside and my father was walking around in flip-flops, with no warm clothes, socks, fresh water or food. They were freezing and the situation was getting more dire by the hour.
The day was one of the most stressful I have ever experienced, for my entire family and for everyone who was in that situation. It was traumatic and I can only imagine how it felt for those who had no way out.
But as Mister Rogers said, “In times of tragedy, look for helpers. They will always be there.”
This weekend was no different.
The country sprang into action. Emergency response teams, NGOs, farmers and ordinary citizens worked tirelessly to help the thousands of stranded people. Social media was filled with stories of truck drivers sharing food with others stuck on the roads, farmers trekking through the snow to offer food and warm clothing, and NGOs such as Gift of the Givers and the Muslim Welfare Society following the graders as they cleared the roads and handed out food to anyone they could find. Even communities such as Love Howick joined forces to distribute blankets, hot meals, tea/coffee, toilet paper and much more, which were delivered by motorbikes along the N3 to stranded trucks and vehicles. It was nothing short of amazing.
Kindness spread like wildfire. Messages of love and support poured in for everyone stuck in the snow. I sent my parents as many of these messages as I could to keep their spirits up. And honestly, it worked.
Even as the situation remained bleak – 25 hours later, they were still stuck. The snow was still too deep to move their car, and night was falling again. It was dark, cold and absolutely terrifying for those still stuck on the road.
But after 29 long hours, rescue teams finally reached them. My parents, along with many others, were finally able to move. Slowly but surely, they made their way home. There are no words to describe the relief. They were safe. The ride was slow, but they knew they would finally make it.
Sadly, not everyone was as lucky. It was reported that one person tragically lost their life in the storm. I send my deepest condolences to their family. There are no words that can make this easier, but know that the country is with you in your grief.
After 36 hours, my parents finally arrived home. They were tired, traumatized, but safe. And all they can talk about is how incredible South Africans were during this ordeal. They weren’t left alone – someone brought them a hot curry, another gave them water. And they found solace in the messages of love on social media. I sent them all the kindness I could find, and it definitely lifted their spirits.
To everyone who was there this weekend, thank you. You have reminded us once again that when we are called upon, we unite in a way that is truly special. Our hearts beat as one, and in times of tragedy, we do not need to look for helpers – for we are the helpers.
That is the South Africa that I am so proud of and that I can call home.
Sources: Brent Lindeque | Good Things Guy
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