The Big Favour: Seatide's rebirth after devastating tornado
East Coast Radio & Gift of the Givers celebrate the rebirth of Seatide Combined School after being ravaged by devastating tornadoes.
In June 2024, the Tongaat community was brought to its knees by a force of nature no one could have predicted.
A violent tornado tore through the area, ripping apart homes, displacing families, and shattering the sense of safety the community once knew.
Among the many structures devastated in its path was Seatide Combined School – a cornerstone of the community where generations of learners had walked its halls, built dreams, and shaped their futures.
The damage was more than physical. The destruction of Seatide didn’t just crumble bricks and mortar – it disrupted education, fractured routines, and cast a long shadow of uncertainty over the lives of learners and educators alike.
But KZN is no stranger to adversity. More importantly, we are no strangers to standing together in the face of it.
Just days after the tornado, East Coast Radio was on the ground in Tongaat, broadcasting live amidst the rubble. The images were heartbreaking.
Amid the heartbreak, we saw something else – hope. We knew we couldn’t just tell the story; we had to be part of changing the ending.
Our listeners heard the call – and they answered with heart. In a matter of days, over a million rand was raised, thanks to the incredible generosity of our KZN community and our partners.
This was more than just money – it was a lifeline.
With the help of our trusted partner, Gift of the Givers, that lifeline transformed into action. Homes were identified and rebuilt. Families were given a new start.
Then we turned our focus to where the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and dreamers would rise – Seatide Combined School.
Through a portion of the funds raised, much-needed renovations began at the school.
Classrooms were restored, facilities upgraded, and what once stood in ruins slowly came back to life – stronger, more resilient, and filled with hope.
On April 9, 2025, we returned to Seatide not to remember the devastation, but to celebrate the resilience. We returned to witness the progress of the rebuilding of a school that refused to be beaten by disaster.
This school now stands as a symbol of what’s possible when a community unites with purpose.
At East Coast Radio, we’ve always believed that if it matters to KZN, it matters to us.
Whether it’s responding to a natural disaster, supporting a local initiative, or helping a school rise from the rubble – we’re here for our community.
To everyone who donated, to Gift of the Givers for their unwavering support, and to the learners and educators who never lost hope – thank you.
While there is still much work to be done to fully revive the school, Seatide Combined School is on it's way back to being fully operational.
