Morning everyone,
Just to let everyone know, I am doing ok.
Thank you to everyone who reached out to me. And for your prayers.
I emailed OfenJen last week to say that things are bad here where I live, and at the time I was in fear of my life. Civil unrest broke out suddenly in two major provinces, the Gauteng area, and in Kwazulu Natal, which is where I live. It lasted nearly two weeks.
We are nearly back to normal, there are small, targeted areas, that are still be hit by looting. My friend, who lives in the town next to mine, phoned this morning to say that they are still burning down buildings in his area.
Just a brief outline of what happened.
About two weeks ago, mobs formed (after our previous president was convicted and sent to jail) In protest they started by attacking malls and major grocery outlets, stealing everything, then breaking everything in sight and setting whole malls and a lot of shops on fire. They stopped and stole everything from trucks transporting goods, and setting them on fire.
They then moved into the residential areas, and started targeting homes. In the town where I live, each street set up barricades at each end of the street, with fire, people with guns, cricket bats, golf clubs, paint ball guns, just a variety of ammunition. Specifically in our town, the local induna, sent all his warriors with shields and spears to patrol the perimeter of our town. Zulu Impi picture below.
As soon as a crowd of people approached, the barricades, with people guarding, the police, the military and the Zulu Impis, would whatever force necessary to drive them off. People took shifts to man the barricades and to look out. For nearly two weeks, the sound of gunfire, and explosions, screaming people, and the smell of smoke from burning cars and buildings, kept us away and basically terrified.
Most of this has passed now, but there is a lot of damage.
A lot of buildings, factories and warehouses have been burned down. And our food supplies are low. Most of the shops will never open again. There has been some Samaritan groups, who are flying supplies in during this week and for the next following weeks. Things like bread, eggs and milk, is non existent. We managed to barter something chicken for some eggs and flour, and have made some lovely home made bread, that was like heaven in your mouth.
What this whole experience has taught me,
- is that we take things for granted, we don’t appreciate what we have
- having a stockpile of food and water is a good idea
- making sure you have basic bag of medicines is a necessity
- making sure your car’s fuel tank is full all the time
- keep in contact with your family and friends
Love to all, Vanda
TTMT - Talk To Me Tuesday 
I’m so sorry you are experiencing such awful unrest there. I pray you all are safe and have what you need. I know we can’t do much of anything it help. Just know we are thinking of you. Hugs
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Thank you so much for the update. I’ve been thinking about you constantly and hoping that you and your family are safe. I can’t even begin to imagine how traumatic this has been for you all. If there is anything I can do from here, you know where to find me. *hugs*
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That is absolutely terrifying.
Praying for your safety and well-being!
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Take care Vanda. Sounds like a scary situation for sure.
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Until you emailed Jennifer I had not heard about what was happening in your area and I was just completely appalled and amazed by the fact that it was not bigger in the world news. I am glad y’all made it through what I sincerely hope is the worst of it and that things improve soon for you all over there.
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