Many areas of KZN and some parts of Gauteng were severely affected by last week’s unrest, looting, and violence. In the aftermath, it has been truly inspiring to see communities quickly rally together to protect, clean up, assist with supplies to affected areas, lift spirits and help rebuild KZN.
Sibaya Precinct (SPMMA) Precinct Manager, Justin van Rensburg provides an update on Sibaya:
- How was Sibaya affected by the unrest?
Despite Sibaya precinct being a low-risk area, it was essential to prepare for any eventuality considering last week’s events.
The SPMMA team and key stakeholders held an emergency strategy meeting on Tuesday 13 July, setting up an action plan in response to the events unfolding around KZN. This plan was circulated and set the framework for how the precinct would navigate the week/s ahead. Out of this, there were three major items agreed as listed below and actioned:
- The Operations plan.
- The Communications plan.
- Emergency evacuation plans.
With the events playing out and the safety of all staff considered, it was further decided that precinct service providers and their staff did not attempt to travel to the precinct until which time it was deemed safe to do so again.
We are happy to report that the efforts described above did ward off opportunists and any potential issues with respect to the greater Sibaya Precinct and that no major incidents occurred.
Unfortunately, the week’s events resulted in chemical contamination of the Ohlanga river and uMhlanga lagoon, drastically affecting marine life and forcing authorities to close all northern beaches indefinitely. We are happy to note that the authorities have secured the services of a spill team and are working on this item in line with specialist guidance. We urge all residents to heed messages circulated prior regarding this matter.
- What are the new security interventions and progress?
The precinct’s security teams are fully operational and have additional staff and reaction units, this is further bolstered by community members’ support on the ground. Clear lines of communication, early warning, and dialogue have also been set up with various role players who are ready to assist when and if required. Further specifics are being treated as confidential.
It has been amazing to see the greater Sibaya and eMdloti communities come together to ensure the safety and security of all. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to many stakeholders within the direct community that housed, fed, and assisted precinct security teams during this time.
- What is the clean-up plan and progress?
We are fortunate that there has been no reported damage within the Sibaya precinct and its immediate neighbouring communities. While CGM teams couldn’t get to work last week due to safety concerns, we are happy to report a full complement currently on the ground catching up on work.
- What does the road ahead look like for Sibaya?
Our outlook is highly positive and enough cannot be said for the community collaboration and effort across KZN during this time. These events have galvanised residents, stakeholders, community structures, and businesses in a way not seen before. Sibaya businesses are all opening shop once again and while there is a lot to do to assist other communities in and around Durban, it is heart-warming to see the responses and numbers of everyday citizens volunteering and contributing to getting those areas severely affected back into shape.
We cannot undervalue the sense of community and pride that these events have re-awoken not only in the greater Sibaya Precinct but across KZN and South Africa. We are confident that the events that have played out, the community response, and the structures put in place for Sibaya have and will continue to showcase the Sibaya Coastal Precinct as an attractive and safe world-class precinct.
MAIN IMAGE: Tight security at Sibaya Precinct entry point
IMAGE BELOW: Community rally together to protect the area
IMAGE BELOW: Community rally together to protect and guard the area
IMAGE BELOW: Our CGM team ensuring the area is clean and maintained as usual
IMAGE BELOW: Clean up on the beach as usual
