Knysna Locals Thank – and Bless – All Who’ve Donated in South Africa & Worldwide

Today Knysna resident ESTER BEUKES woke up at 4am and realised that, for the first time since Wednesday, she couldn’t see a raging fire – or even the glow of one. After having been evacuated, being without water, needing groceries delivered by a friend… today she could “finally pay attention to the needs of others”.

She found herself at the ‘Green’ house. “All the golfers who visit Simola Golf Course will know the ‘Green’ house along Old Cape Road… where 8 housing structures on both sides of the road, along the Salt River, housed some cattle, horses, etc.

“When the structures burned down some of the people who lived in them fled with just the clothes on their body.

“The two people in this photo, on each end in the picture, were found at the Water Front by someone… given a blanket and taken to a shelter. They returned to nothing and moved into the Green house.

“The man with the shorts had to flee from the plantation area past Simola. He still does not know what happened to his dwelling.

“The lady with the hat lives in the Green house and the other two are friends who came with some groceries.

“I took the 3 victims to the NG Church today, and we received dry goods for at least days. Water, blankets and warm clothes.

“These humble folk didn’t want to go with me at first: “we are fine Ma’m, we will be ok.”

“On our way back they asked where the church got all the stuff. I told them that all South Africans and people from overseas are collecting stuff and sending it down to Knysna, where it gets distributed all over the Eden District.

“They asked me to tell all the people (who are donating) that God will bless them richly for doing such good deeds, because now they don’t have to worry about their friends and families in the other town.

“So be blessed people!”