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Knysna residents bid farewell to some of the heroic firefighters

Photos: Ewald Stander
Photos: Ewald Stander

Nashira Davids on Twitter

Knysna residents bid farewell to some of heroic firefighters to doused the flames on the Garden Route. Video: @ezaap @TimesLIVE https://t.co/hBeh0JYjMn

Nashira Davids on Twitter

Fire fighters take to Knysna main road Video: @ezaap @TimesLIVE https://t.co/m9D5iZwBp7

 

About 400 men and women who doused the fires that raged through the Garden Route last week were honoured by local residents on Saturday.

They marched through the main street of Knysna as members of the community applauded.

“It is absolutely delightful to extend some kind of thanks to these heroic men and women. The people of Knysna just don’t have the words but this is the best that we could do‚’’ said Phil Golson.

Des van Rooyen‚ Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs‚ was also in attendance.

WATCH: Knysna is the worst disaster I’ve ever seen‚ says shocked ZumaStanding on a hill in Knysna Heights on Thursday‚ President Jacob Zuma described the scene that confronted him as the “worst disaster I have ever experienced”. 

“They are our heroes. They are coming from all corners of South Africa to save lives and property and we are really proud of them‚’’ said Van Rooyen.

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille said this was the biggest rescue operation in South African history.

“The fires spanned at least 100 kilometres‚ and were bravely fought by a team of 1‚106 fire-fighters from the province and elsewhere‚’’ read a statement issued by her office.

At least 10‚000 residents were evacuated and many lost their homes and possessions.

 

 

 

 

 

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