In July 2021, South Africa experienced one of its most tragic weeks of civil disorder, violence, rioting and looting since 1994. In KZN, entire shopping malls and large warehouses were looted and burnt to the ground, trucks were set alight and small shops and food stands in the rural areas were destroyed. With the ensuing unrest, residential areas and communities were forced to stand together to protect their streets and local shops.
For a whole week the entire province came to a standstill. With most shops closed and trucks unable to deliver petrol, essential supplies and fresh produce, the situation was dire for those who did not have any means of getting food and essentials for their families.
An event that was meant to divide us saw our nation come together with the most incredible strength and determination to rise above. This inspired SMG to take action, and we knew that SMG Cares had to step up and play their part in the rebuilding of our province. Our immediate concern was assisting our staff and ensuring that everyone had basic supplies of bread, milk and other essential food and care items. We rallied together and distributed food parcels to our SMG staff, and once the unrest stabilized, we began our mission of assisting our communities around us that were in desperate need of support.
From animal shelters to children’s homes and care villages, local communities whose only shop in the area had been destroyed and small business owners whose entire life’s work had been burnt to the ground. We are proud to have been able to reach out through all of our SMG dealerships to bring hope and relief through a most devastating time.