TWILL go down in history as one of the darkest periods in South African history and the country will count the cost of the frenzied looting and largescale destruction for years to come.
Yet SA is already rising out of the ashes and people are coming together to sweep away the horror and help rebuild a nation.
And while there have been many heroes emerging in the wake of the unrest, one young woman has quietly been making waves, armed with a cellphone in one hand and a black plastic bag in the other.
Emelda Masango (25), from Crown Mines in Johannesburg, is the driving force behind the Rebuild SA group – an initiative where people give up their time to clean and rebuild shops, malls and streets affected by the looting.
“It’s important to build up the businesses so that people can get employed again,” Emelda says, speaking to YOU on her way to her next clean-up operation at Diepkloof Square.
Life has become hectic for her– what started with one woman volunteering on social media to help has now snowballed into a 70 000-strong network of volunteers across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Along with co-founders Natalie Church and Mbali Ndhlovu, Emelda and the Rebuild SA team has – with the help of a private company – managed to fly food to KZN, fixed up stores in shopping centres and malls across Gauteng and KZN and arranged counselling sessions for distraught business owners and security personnel.
The government estimates the looting has set back the national economy by R50 billion, with more than 40 000 businesses and buildings looted, burnt or vandalised.
This story is from the 5 August 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 5 August 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS
The king of pop's kids are a close-knit trio who guard their privacy fiercely
BARBIES ON THE GO!
Sending their dolls 'travelling' around the country started as way to escape everyday life during the pandemic and four years later they're still going strong
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
These musician decided to pack up their lives and trek across the country - with three kids in tow!
TALES FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
After 40 years in Tinseltown, filmmaker Ed Zwick is spilling the beans about the stars with the biggest egos in his tell-all memoir - and he doesn't regret a thing
India's national election
SOUTH Africa isn't the only country holding an election this year - America and India, among others, are also heading to the polls. Most countries hold elections every five years, and it typically takes place one day before the votes are counted.
IS YOUR BRA HARMING YOUR HEALTH?
Wearing the wrong bra size can cause more than discomfort - a poor fit can lead to bigger problems
MY STORY IS ONE OF HOPE
She was born with a rare condition that affects her muscles but it hasn't stopped Kerry from getting a degree or writing a book
DEATH FROM ABOVE
Drones, like the one used to kill seven aid workers in Gaza, are becoming common in battlefields
FINALLY I'M FREE
IT STARTED innocently enough, with a Bible study group, scripture readings and prayers in the suburbs of Centu rion.
CONJOINED IN HOLY MATRIMONY
Abby and Brittany have again sparked public interest after Abby's 2021 wedding recently made headlines