IT’S an image that sent shockwaves around the world: a terrified mother tossing her toddler from a burning building as a crowd on the ground reach their arms up to grab the child.
Holding her head in her hands, the young mom waits to see if her daughter lands safely into the embrace of the sea of strangers. She does – and the footage of the child flying through the air towards outstretched arms has become symbolic of the horror and the hope that have characterised one of the darkest periods in South Africa’s history.
Wanton destruction on the one hand, the banding together of people on the other.
For Naledi Manyoni (26), gratitude doesn’t begin to describe it – although the day she was forced to throw her child into thin air will haunt her forever.
“I couldn’t think of anything except saving my baby’s life,” she tells YOU.
“We were inhaling smoke and we could hear things exploding right behind us. There was no time to think it through– I just threw her in the air hoping someone would catch her.”
If she hadn’t been caught, two-year-old Melokuhle may well have become another statistic of the protests that spiralled into an orgy of looting and violence, leaving 212 people dead and billions of rands worth of damage to shops, warehouses, businesses and infrastructure.
The blaze that engulfed Naledi’s building in Smith Street in central Durban was started by people stealing from shops on the ground floor. The flames quickly spread upstairs to the City Life Pearl Towers’ block of flats where she lives on the 16th floor with her fiancé, Simthembile Matomane, and their daughter.
This story is from the 29 July 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 29 July 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