Today we stood in solidarity with our fellow South Africans, who have just gone through a devastating, terrifying wave of destruction and unrest. We watched, unable to help, unable to do anything to stop it. We have plenty to eat, while our loved ones line up in queues around the block to buy bread. Shops and businesses have been ransacked, businesses destroyed, lives devastated. Our families are standing guard in the night, desperately trying to protect their homes, their families, and everything they have worked for.
Although we couldn't be there to stand with you in person, today we stood with you in London. Last week, Whatsapp groups were formed, plans were made, re-made, re-shuffled, and re-shuffled again. We planned and organised while watching all of your videos and voice notes detailing your plight. We called our families, we made facebook groups. We started fund raising, we invited friends and loved ones to get involved and donate.
Huge thanks and respect to Hayley Reichert and her team for all of your hard work in planning this day. We sang the national anthem (twice!) we spoke about our hopes and fears for the country. We held a minute of silence, keeping our much loved home and families in our thoughts.
Today we felt like we could help, we felt connected to each other and to our beautiful, much loved country.