‘Fire within us burns hotter than fire that surrounded us’
Charlene Cox sales executive at the Knysna-Plett Herald writes:
I have been giving so much thought as to what the majority of Knynsa have had to face in the past few weeks.
Yes, a great disaster and loss to this town and so much negativity and sadness. I have grown up in Knynsa and went to school here and to see our town like this has deeply affected me.
Just driving to or from my home each day tugs at my heart to see many of my neighbours who have lost their homes. Yet amongst all of that, I have also been so deeply touched, despite the extreme challenges that people are facing on an emotional and physical level. Despite this they have picked themselves up and are carrying on with life. Be that business or running kids to school etc, they have not just sunk or ducked away or just left Knysna.
To continue business on a level where telephone and communication lines have been down, where electricity has been interrupted on numerous occasions, not even to speak of the lack of water, is something I am really impressed with.
I lost my place three years ago, also due to fire, so I really empathise so much with all who have lost not only their homes, but their livelihood.
It’s just with so much gratitude that I thank all my clients who have shown concern for my wellbeing despite having lost their own homes.
I am so proud of the kindness and genuineness that has been shown at a difficult time like this. The majority of the folk in Knynsa can and should be proud of themselves and be acknowledged for coping with an impossible situation that as such has not been experienced in South Africa before.
I know there have been so many bad news reports and complaints.
But let us face this fact, we are all doing our best. I do not believe any of us get up each day to do our worst. We get up to do and cope the best we can and know how to.
My message to Knynsa residents is that you have survived because the fire within you burns hotter the fire that surrounded you. Well done!