In an interview with OFM News, Tony Halstead, Brand Manager of Volvo in Umhlanga, Durban says they opened their doors on Monday after a week of closure following riots, looting and staff not being safe. Halstead says as a result of all the grocery stores being looted, there is a concern regarding food security. Many people are low on provisions and haven't been able to go to shops. 

"Things are improving now with the delivery of donations from Bloemfontein, which is God-sent and so special to see when people of South Africa and various communities stick together and help others in times of need," he says.

"The community stood firm and got themselves very organised. All communities in various suburbs set up their own patrolling, road blocks and security structures. Many of those particular communities stood up to looters and protected their local grocery stores and shopping centres, personal homes and obviously their communities and families at the same time," Halstead says.

Halstead further adds that communities outside KwaZulu-Natal has reached out to people within the province and went out of their way to ensure that the people of KwaZulu-Natal have food.

Anso Vorster, sales manager of Volvo Bloemfontein, says she is very happy about how the community came together. One Interlink double truck with three vehicles and trailers, packed with boxes, went to Durban, Vorster said. She says 38 to 40 crates of food and necessities were donated. "The focus of the initiative is to help with the shortage of food and basic supplies for adults and babies in KwaZulu-Natal," Vorster adds.

Unrest broke out in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in the past two weeks following the jailing of former president Jacob Zuma. Hundreds of shops, malls and properties were looted and set on fire.

OFM News/Blaine Jones