Gift of the Givers ramps up relief as fires rage in Eastern and Western Cape

By Johnathan Paoli

Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers has intensified its emergency operations across both the Eastern and Western Cape as firefighters battle multiple, fast-moving wildfires fuelled by strong winds, extreme heat and widespread infrastructure failures.

In the Eastern Cape, Gift of the Givers teams are on the ground in the Kouga Municipality following an urgent request for assistance as three major fires continue to rage across a vast area stretching from Kou-Kamma to Jeffreys Bay.

The blazes, burning in the Kou-Kamma area, between St Francis Bay and Paradise Beach, and between Kabeljous and Jeffreys Bay, have forced evacuations in several communities due to the high risk posed to lives and property.

Affected areas include Zwartenbosch towards Hankey, Oyster Bay Road, the Kromme River and Riverside areas, Kabeljous River behind Nature’s Valley Private Game Reserve, and Smithfield.

Municipal authorities have warned residents that the situation remains dangerous and unpredictable,