The Face of Heroes – South Africa’s ‘Bakkie Sakkies’

Thousands of social media users shared a photo posted by John Stewart yesterday of “two lads” with a bakkie, a water tank, and a pump with a hose… who have spent the last four days “dousing flare-ups and evacuating people. No safety gear.”

Apart from pointing out how essential safety gear and training is, John said: “This is what many of the people out there fighting fires look like… These guys ? % South African ? % hero.”

Today John posted more photos of the people who are known as ‘Bakkie Sakkies’.

He said there are about 20 of these ‘bakkie sakkies’ that go out every day, late into the nights to douse hot spots and flare ups.

“These are just regular Joe’s with normal day time jobs. Most have not been to work or serviced their own clients for the last week. Completley self funded.

“These guys are out there too. No complaints, just doing what they can with little to no safety gear. Heroes every last one of them. ?? #PlettFires #PlettStrong #ProudlySouthAfrican.”

South African expat, Sue Michael, asked John to “please give these two amazing humans and all the rest a really big hug, kiss and thank you from me. I am beyond greatful to them – my parents and sister and dogs are safe in their homes in Sedgefield thanks to them.

“The fire could easily have gone all the way up had it not been for them. I am far away in Hungary and people like these two lovely men and yourself have made me feel grateful my family are surrounded by Heroes and angels… bless you all.”

John’s latest update from Plettenberg Bay on Monday evening

https://www.facebook.com/john.drugfree/videos/10154494845990843/?pnref=story