SOUTH Africans are remarkable, as Archbishop Desmond Tutu frequently says when trying to boost our confidence.

Volunteers flocked to hospitals to lend a hand when health authorities pleaded for help.

While many citizens sympathise with the nurses and teachers' strike, the plight of patients and stressed medical personnel struck a cord.

Professionals wielded brooms and mops, youngsters bathed patients and housewives cooked for patients who could not be sent home.

They worked long hours though still fearful of the goggas that lurk in hospitals.

It was a heart-warming gesture of ubuntu, the one quality we are famous for. Cynics, who in the past said this was a made up virtue, can eat their words.

Thank you all who helped.