On 7th June, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay & surrounding areas were woken to horrific scenes of apocalyptic proportions. In the early hours, fires had broken out over a stretch of approx. 70km. The timing could not have been worse, as the already drought stricken area was on high alert & the now raging storm fanned the small fires into raging infernos destroying all in their path. First responders were quick to act, however their efforts though brave & selfless, were costly. Several firefighters were severely injured, with my cousin Bradley paying the ultimate price for heroism.
The fires continued to rage through the coastal town of Knysna & then Plettenberg Bay, burning through hundreds of homes while the thousands of residents scrambled for safety, with little more than the clothes on their backs.
Two days later, and the blazes are only partially under control, with evacuations still taking place while homes & livelihoods are still being destroyed.
Watching from afar in the UK, as our loved ones suffer and my hometown is destroyed, brought us to our knees & left us feeling utterly helpless. The level of sadness & despair in the voices of loved ones is heart wrenching, and only matched by the incredible acts of bravery & heroism they continue to display for their fellow human beings. After pouring over countless social media posts trying to find out what people are asking for, it has become evident that nobody is asking for anything for themselves. They are crying out for simple things for others; water for firefighters, food, clothes, blankets, nappies & sanitary goods for the homeless.
We realised that we could do something to help. With an already strained economy, their aid will be limited. We aim to raise funds to help take the strain off residents & local businesses, who have selflessly given all they have to those who need it. Please offer what you can, to those with nothing left and know that your kindness will never be forgotten.
Damien Botha