COMMUNITY RESILIENCE IN THABAZIMBI FLOOD CRISIS
Thabazimbi – When disaster strikes, two types of people emerge: those who wait for help and those who take action. Recently, the community of Thabazimbi faced devastating floods after incessant rains caused the local dam to burst, cutting off road links and isolating settlements. Amid the chaos, some local heroes, including Hannes Coetzee, the owner of Thabazimbi SPAR, stepped up to make a difference.
Mpudi Maubane, PR, communications and sponsorship manager at The SPAR Group, recounts the events: “The people of Thabazimbi were hit hard by the floods. In such situations, waiting for authorities to mobilise can cost precious time. Fortunately, Thabazimbi has a proactive community who didn’t hesitate to act.”
Hannes Coetzee and others used off-road vehicles, canoes, and even helicopters volunteered by local owners to deliver essential supplies to stranded residents. “Our region was flooded by rains about three times heavier than usual,” says Coetzee. “Communities were cut off, and people urgently needed basic foodstuffs. We responded by donating hundreds of meal packs, delivered by helicopter to isolated areas.”
“Our efforts were all about strengthening our relationship with the communities we serve. Some businesses may say they care, but SPAR demonstrated through action that we genuinely do,” Coetzee adds.
The swift response by SPAR Thabazimbi highlights the strength of SPAR’s extensive network of approximately 2,500 stores across South Africa and the crucial role their independent owners play in their communities. “SPAR store owners live and trade within the communities they serve. Although SPAR has a Corporate Social Responsibility plan, many store owners supplement this with specific initiatives within their communities,” says Maubane.
Beyond emergency assistance, SPAR is committed to sustainable national initiatives, particularly in addressing food insecurity, which affects an estimated 15 million people in South Africa. SPAR supports several NGOs, including Operation Hunger, with financial aid and food donations. Additionally, SPAR collaborates with FoodForward SA, a leading food redistribution organisation, to redirect surplus food to needy communities, thus reducing food waste and combating hunger.
SPAR press release extracts
Main photo: Urgent relief from above – Essential supplies, including eggs, are airlifted to stranded communities. SUPERSPAR Thabazimbi store owner, Hannes Coetzee, ensured much-needed provisions reach those in need.