St Henry’s Marist College’s Grade R teacher, Tatum Ridgway, recently created a Facebook group called ‘Rebuild KZN’, which has gained momentum.
Ridgway said the group was created on Wednesday, 14 July with an aim to spread light in the midst of darkness caused by the recent unrest that gripped KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Last week stories of fear, looting, killings and fighting went viral all over social media. Instead of spreading negativity, Ridgeway came up with a platform for the citizens to share positive and happy stories to help bring hope and rebuild the country. “The group is a place where people can post happy stories, which will also show the world the good things that have been happening during this time. We have followers from Australia, United Kingdom and all over the world who have said they are with South Africa and KZN,” said Ridgway.
She said the response from the community and around the world has been overwhelming. The group has a following of over 28 000 members in one week. “This group has brought light in the time of darkness and despair. It has brought the people of KZN and SA together. It has made people faithful and hopeful,” she added. Some of the posts on the group read: “Your group has been godsend for me here in Perth, Australia…I am so grateful for this space and everyone who is helping. Thank you.” Another, all the way from New Zealand read; “Standing strong with our people of South Africa.” The followers on the group have said that Ridgway has brought the rainbow after the storm and hoped that the spirit of unity keeps burning.
