By Kaya 959 News
National retailer, Shoprite, has stepped in to help residents affected by the looting in Soweto and Ratanda two weeks ago.
Shoprite has deployed two of its Usave eKasi trucks to assist the communities so they can shop for essential items, this after the local mall was looted and subsequently destroyed during the recent unrest.
Shoprite revealed that some of its stores are unable to trade due to the damage from the looting. It added that plans are underway to get the shops ready and re-opened soonest.
Speaking to Business Insider, Shoprite said two Usave eKasi trucks were recently deployed to Jabulani in Soweto to enable community members to purchase basic food items and other necessities until Shoprite Jabulani reopens.
The Jabulani store will be opened on Thursday.
Shopping malls looted
Shoprite said the two trucks will also travel to Ratana near Heidelberg and Protea Glen in the coming days.
Around 200 shopping malls were looted and some later set alight during the unrest that followed the incarceration of former State President, Jacob Zuma.
Shoprite stepped in to assist families impacted by the looting and has handed out more than 1700 hampers.
“The initiatives over the past few days are in addition to the 2 000 hampers packed in Cape Town and sent to Pietermaritzburg via Airlink last week, to help residents, many of whom live in informal settlements and lost their homes,” Shoprite said.
“The Shoprite Group has made an initial donation of R1 million to its Act for Change Fund to help those communities in KZN and Gauteng affected by unrest.
“The Group manages the Act for Change Fund on behalf of its customers and all the funds collected since the middle of last week will go to vetted organisations involved in relief efforts to help communities rebuild after the devastating effects of the unrest, vandalism and arson on many community members and their businesses.”



