As it happened in Northcliff, when news of the kidnapping and triple murder of the Naidoo family reached the community and they stood together, Johannesburg has united for the Knysna fire victims.
The much-appreciated donations by recipients are in fact a necessity for those who were affected by the fires.
Staff members from Northcliff Melville Times (NMT) flew down to George to assist a sister publication, the Knysna-Plett Herald (KPH) and discovered that KPH staff members were driving around with car boots filled with packed suitcases in case their homes were consumed by the fires.
READ: What you need to know about the #Knysnafire
In the past couple of days, the fire has been under control with small flare-ups in certain areas. Sedgefield in particular, an area 24.7km from Knysna, had an intense flare-up on Wednesday, 14 June which was quickly contained.
The damage the wave of fires caused was devastating especially in low-income areas where the little they had went up in flames. Residents gave an account of how they fought tooth and nail with buckets to save their families, pets and homes.
READ: More donations for #Knysnafire cictims
The displaced persons lined up at donation distribution points receiving their rations. These lines were a couple of metres long with numbers reaching close to 100 people at a time.
While the town and surrounding areas were encompassed by destruction, victims counted their blessings instead of dwelling on destruction.
So far, seven people including children and firemen have succumbed to the fire and its effects and the exact numbers of destroyed homes has not been confirmed yet due to the still-smouldering earth. However, the current estimation is 500 homes and 100 shacks.
ALSO READ: Caxton thanks you!
WATCH
