Over the last few days, I have felt so helpless while the community members of my hometown of Assagay and Hillcrest were left to protect the area from being looted because there simply weren’t enough police to be in all the hot spots at the same time. To those men and women, you will forever be heroes in my eyes.

Looting at Watercrest Mall, Waterfall - Kzn

Today they face an even bigger challenge; cleaning it up, rebuilding, and supporting those who need it most. People have no food, local food stores have been forced to close, many have no fuel to get to shops in surrounding areas. I have seen Facebook post after Facebook post of people asking for basic items; food, sanitary items, baby formula, nappies, and medication.

Of course, many people have shared what they have and there has been an unreal sense of community spirit and empowerment but how does it get fixed? Truth is, I don’t have the answer, but I know that something is better than nothing and I believe that is it my duty as a South African to help in any way I can.

While there are so many things I cannot do, I can raise money that will provide some level of immediate support.

Ensuring any money raised is used appropriately within the Upper Highway area, I have partnered with Jenna Hardman (the co-founder of an NPO organization called Leaven) who works closing with the Rebuilding Upper Highway group. As everything is still so recent, and there is still so much uncertainty, we cannot specifically say where and how the money will be distributed, however, once we can source and secure products and materials, it will be used to restore, rebuild, and support families who have lost their livelihoods. Jenna has also committed to providing feedback on how the money has been spent.

Ultimately, I’d like to achieve £2000 in donations (approx. R40223) with a target of £500 per week, therefore, the funding page will be open for 28 days from 15 July 2021 - 11 August 2021.

In order to provide additional transparency, any money raised will be deposited into my personal bank account here in the UK and then electronically transferred into the business account of Leaven, this is only because Just Giving hasn't enabled me to use their SA bank account. My first bank transfer to Leaven will be as soon as Just Giving allows, this is 14 days after opening the page but I do need to wait for funds to clear which is 6 - 10days. I will pay the bank charges for transferring the money to Leaven, however, please keep in mind that Just Giving deduct a processing fee on each donation at 1.9% if in GBP currency or 2.9% in other currencies. T&Cs of Just Giving

Thank you for reading and sharing your resources to help rebuild my hometown and the lives of my community.

Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning 'humanity to others'. It is often described as reminding us that 'I am what I am because of who we all are'.

Samantha Blair Candiotes

Facebook video by Kierran Allan, South Africa is on Fire

Credibility check;

Admins of the Facebook group, South Africans Against Anarchy vetted several FB groups to ensure credibility and complied Help SA Now

Rebuilding Upper Highway (Tasha Sloan)

Leaven (Jenna Hardman)