How did the Dolphin Coast successfully come through this week in history?
The last 10 days have been both a disaster and a miracle. Like many other areas in KZN and elsewhere, we were under threat and siege.
Yet, the Dolphin Coast area remained safe and intact. The answer on how this was achieved is very clear.
We have well-established and credible community structures with active citizens supporting them. These groups quickly got together and formed an organised and controlled command centre to plan our response. From neighbourhood watches, a community policing forum, wards and councillors, business organisations, a residents and ratepayers association, religious organisations, informal resident groups, charity and environmental organisations, school governing bodies, bodies corporate of estates and a well-established media; everyone stood up and turned out to do their part. In addition, food, drinks and firewood were supplied by our community to those who worked tirelessly 24/7 keeping us safe.
With a common goal to stave off a siege and protect our livelihoods and lives, everyone cooperated, made their leadership available, as well as their networks and communication channels. Petty concerns, business competitors, and differences, disappeared; many heeded the call to lead.
The outcome has been a huge success. There can be no doubt that active citizenship, and established structures, were the key building blocks in achieving this, and we should celebrate and be proud of what has happened in our community. However, a massive task of rebuilding lies ahead. The time for apathy or turf wars is over. Let us all build on what we have achieved. If you have not yet gotten involved, please join any of the existing organisations according to your expertise, interest area and available time. Your support is needed, no matter how big or small.
We have many challenges left. Whether it is extending and retaining our safety and security, holding our Municipality to account for service delivery, or assisting those in need, there are so many ways that you can contribute.
For more information on where and how to be involved, please visit our website at www.docrra.co.za or contact us at admin@docrra.co.za.
Alternatively, reach out to one of the organisations below:
- To volunteer and get the latest updates on the current security situation: The Greater Ballito Operations Centre (GBOC)
- Find out what’s happening in your immediate Ballito street cluster: Ballito Neighbourhood Watch
https://www.facebook.com/BallitoNW/
- Find out what’s happening in your immediate Salt Rock street cluster: Salt Rock Neighbourhood Watch
https://www.facebook.com/saltrockneighbourhoodwatch/
- For all security concerns and to volunteer: Community Policing Forum (CPF)
Morne Steffens: 084-632-6694
- For all environmental concerns: Dolphin Coast Conservancy
https://dolphincoastconservancy.co.za
- For all local North Coast business related concerns and enquiries: Ilembe Chamber of Commerce
https://www.ilembechamber.co.za
We, DOCRRA, will continue to promote and protect the interests of all residents and ratepayers within the jurisdiction of the Dolphin Coast area. However, the more community representation and support we have, the more influence we have. Therefore, we urge you to become a member of DOCRRA.
To join, please go to: https://docrra.co.za/membership/
Website: www.docrra.co.za
If you require more information, please contact us on admin@docrra.co.za.