The devastating Knysna fires left some of the most beautiful parts in the Eastern Cape in ruins, and in the midst of this unprecedented damage many people are without houses, without food, without anything.

This is a heartbreaking situation that sent shock waves as far as the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Potchefstroom.

“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by the fires. We think of the families who have lost loved ones and everyone who experienced major damage. We also want to thank all the firefighters who work in impossible conditions and put their lives in danger for others. They are heroes, each and everyone of them,” said Janine Möller, chairperson of the SRCS.   

The SRCS sent donations to the victims of the fires that were collected during, among other events, Tinned Food Day and Barefoot Day. HTS Potchefstroom and Hoër Volkskool Potchefstroom also made significant contributions through their collection projects. A total of 16 bags of clothing with an average of 100 pieces of clothing, 14 boxes of tinned food, 60 kg of rice, two boxes of sanitary products, two boxes with 15 kg of oats and six packs with 20 kg of lentils were sent to the victims.

“Thank you to everyone who enabled us to make this contribution to all the people who are going through an incredibly difficult time.” 

*According to Möller, the community must be on the lookout of people who claim to be collectors for SRCS.

“We heard about people in the community who pretend to be members of the SRCS, but who are not involved with us. If a person approaches you with a donation or sponsor form, the documentation must have an NWU letterhead, it must be signed by the chairperson of the SRCS, it must have a student council stamp and it must have an NPO stamp. We ask the public to refer any people who do not comply with these requirements to us. Thank you once more for your ongoing support.” 

The NWU opened its heart for the victims of the Knysna fires.