Community Rallies to Save Boy’s Life During Blackout

Key Takeaways

• An 11-year-old boy, Abulele Nontshiza, relied on a ventilator to breathe and was in distress during a power outage in Nelson Mandela Bay.
• Residents of Summerstrand quickly pulled together to devise a plan to get him out of a petrol station charging point and restore reliable power at his home.
• The community’s efforts were successful, and Abulele’s life was saved thanks to the kindness and support of his neighbors.
• The power outages in Nelson Mandela Bay have caused significant disruptions and anxiety for residents, particularly those with medical conditions.
• The community’s response to the crisis highlights the importance of strong community networks and the need for reliable power infrastructure.

Introduction to the Crisis
When an 11-year-old boy’s ventilator nearly failed during Nelson Mandela Bay’s latest power outage, residents of Summerstrand quickly pulled together, devising a plan to get him out of a petrol station charging point and restore reliable power at his home. The boy, Abulele Nontshiza, has relied on a ventilator since the age of four, after suffering severe injuries in a car crash. His parents, Xola and Nonzame Nontshiza, say he requires uninterrupted power to breathe, but with power outages lasting up to nine hours in Nelson Mandela Bay at the moment, the family’s backup systems were overwhelmed.

The Community’s Response
Nelson Mandela Bay resident Beverly Murray had stopped at a filling station on Strandfontein Road on Friday evening to charge her tablet when she noticed Abulele in his wheelchair on his ventilator, with a caregiver charging the device at a wall socket. Murray realized the urgency of the situation and alerted her neighborhood watch WhatsApp group. Residents began troubleshooting, from sourcing extra batteries and solar access, to checking generators and student digs. By Saturday morning, neighbors and volunteers had mobilized, and local technician Jannie Hurter managed to get the family’s generator working, while others provided equipment, transport, and support.

The Challenges Faced by the Family
The latest outages followed the collapse of two 132kV transmission towers, plunging large parts of the city into prolonged darkness. The municipality has warned that repairs could take up to two weeks. Abulele’s parents were away in King William’s Town attending a funeral when the power outage occurred, and they were distressed to hear that their child had to be taken to a petrol station to charge his ventilator. The family has expressed growing anger at Nelson Mandela Bay’s failing power infrastructure and the municipality’s communication during outages. In August 2024, four transmission towers collapsed, leaving parts of the city without electricity for more than a week.

The Impact of Power Outages
The power outages have also disrupted Abulele’s schooling and caused anxiety for the family. Generators are expensive and not always reliable, and the battery for the ventilator can only last for short periods. The family has had to rely on the community for support, and they are grateful for the kindness and generosity of their neighbors. The municipality is busy with excavations to erect six new electricity poles, and officials say it will take about 10 days to fully restore electricity. However, the family and other residents are concerned about the reliability of the power infrastructure and the potential risks to their health and safety.

The Importance of Community Support
Despite the challenges, the community’s response to the crisis has highlighted the importance of strong community networks. Murray praised the neighborhood watch for its quick, coordinated response, and the Nontshizas say that the community’s support gave them hope. The community’s efforts have shown that even in times of crisis, people can come together to make a difference. The Nontshizas have expressed their gratitude to the community, saying that they cannot thank everyone enough for saving their son’s life.

Conclusion and Recommendations
The power outages in Nelson Mandela Bay have caused significant disruptions and anxiety for residents, particularly those with medical conditions. The community’s response to the crisis has highlighted the importance of strong community networks and the need for reliable power infrastructure. The municipality needs to take urgent action to address the power outages and ensure that residents have access to reliable and safe electricity. In the meantime, residents can access emergency support at various locations, including CityWide Security, Walmer Park Shopping Centre, and Sasol Summerstrand. The community’s efforts have shown that even in times of crisis, people can come together to make a difference, and it is essential to build on this momentum to create a more resilient and supportive community.