Our environmental writer Dominic Naidoo, who lived through the unrest in KZN, takes a look back at his experience and how we have bounced back.
After weaving my way through tree branches, rubble and the odd burned-out car, I stood in lines for groceries at the few neighbourhood stores that somehow managed to survive the onslaught. It felt apocalyptic, surreal.South Africans came together mere hours after the devastation to offer assistance to those in need. A local Islamic organisation handed out free loaves of bread to anyone who needed it.
As an expert explains it: “Spekboom can root from cuttings even in degraded soils which reach 70°C in summer and which receive no rain for several months on end. These rooted cuttings can then grow into mature plants over 10 to 20 years, allowing the Spekboom thicket to regenerate.” Traditional uses include the increase of breast milk by lactating mothers and the leaves can be used to quench thirst. Sucking on the leaves can treat exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke. Crushed leaves can be rubbed on blisters and corns on the feet to provide relief. The leaves can be chewed as a treatment for sore throat and mouth infections while the juice is used for soothing ailments of the skin such as pimples, rashes and insect stings.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
KZN taxi owner killed, two men wounded by unknown gunmanA 46-year-old taxi owner has been killed and two other men left wounded after an unknown suspect shot at them in Everest Heights in Verulam.
Read more »
DA calls for urgent steps to avoid food crisis in KZNIn a statement on Sunday, the DA confirmed ongoing fears about the state of food security in the province of KwaZulu-Natal following widespread looting, arson and sabotage.
Read more »
KZN to focus on restoring economy in 3-month recovery plan after riotsKZN Premier Sihle Zikalala said almost all sectors across the provincial economy have been heavily affected by the widespread violence that took place nearly two weeks ago.
Read more »
President calls for tough action against those responsible for unrest in KZN and GautengPresident Cyril Ramaphosa said two weeks ago, the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng were hit by deliberate, planned and coordinated acts of violence designed to create the conditions for unrest.
Read more »
Family tells of heartbreaking search for dad’s ashes looted during KZN unrestCathy Osmond said she was informed that her father Peter Wepener's ashes and bequeathed antiques were due to arrive at the Port of Durban and were either stolen or burnt.
Read more »
Durban Magistrate accuses KZN hospital of ’playing God’ as assault victim diesDurban Magistrate Anand Maharaj pointed out a glaring shortcoming in the country’s public health system as he delivered his judgement in a 2017 assault case that claimed the life of a man.
Read more »