Nine years on: Knysna fire remembered

KNYSNA NEWS - Nine years after the devastating June 2017 Knysna fires, the town once again gathered in solemn remembrance to honour those who lost their lives and those who endured loss and displacement, in a show of resilience that continues to define the community.

The residents, officials, survivors and emergency responders came together to reflect on one of the darkest chapters in Knysna's history.

During the ceremony, the names of those who perished were read out, ensuring they were remembered not only as victims of tragedy, but as beloved family members, friends and neighbours whose lives continue to be honoured.

They included Tony (34) and Madre 'Mandy' Johnston (33) (who was eight months pregnant), their son, Michael (3), Catherine Matope (4) and her unnamed mother, as well as Bradley Riley, a volunteer firefighter who died while battling the blaze.

A commemorative march was undertaken from the Shell Garage on Main Road to Clyde Street.

Knysna's mayor, Thando Matika, reflected on the lasting lessons of this disaster, highlighting the importance of disaster preparedness, environmental awareness and unity. He said while many have rebuilt their lives, some residents still carry deep emotional scars, which remain central to the town's shared recovery journey.

The acting municipal manager, Manqoba Ngubo, also touched on the broader significance of the disaster, recalling how he had witnessed from outside Knysna a community united beyond race, politics and background.

He said the fires revealed humanity at its best and urged that the same spirit of unity be carried forward in addressing current challenges, stressing the need for collective responsibility and solution-driven leadership.

The mayor emphasised that the commemoration was not only about loss, but also about honouring resilience. Certificates of recognition were presented to the firefighters, emergency personnel, volunteers and partner organisations who played a critical role during and after the fires, recognising their service under extreme and dangerous conditions.

Additional recognition was extended to the affected communities, including Farleigh and Rheenendal, acknowledging their strength in the face of subsequent tragedies and reinforcing the importance of ongoing collective recovery.

The director of community services, Johnny Douglas, who had served as acting municipal manager during the disaster, reflected on the scale of the crisis, recalling how a normal winter day rapidly turned into an overwhelming emergency as strong winds drove flames across the region.

He praised the bravery of the first responders and the support of organisations such as Gift of the Givers, alongside the unity shown by communities across the province.

Douglas said the fires had caused significant loss of life, widespread destruction and long-term trauma that continues to affect residents.

He said the experience reshaped his understanding of leadership, shifting focus from systems and administration to people, compassion and survival.

He said the disaster had revealed both vulnerability and strength, and remarked that recovery is rooted in unity.

Mayor Thando Matika, acting municipal manager Manqoba Ngubo, director of community services Johnny Douglas, the Knysna Fire Department’s Kayla-Lee Harker and Ward 9 councillor Sharon Sabbagh. Photo: Rozano Alie

Photo: Rozano Alie

Knysna’s mayor, Thando Matika, addresses the crowd at the June 2017 Fires commemoration service on Saturday 27 June. Photo: Rozano Alie

Mayor Thando Matika, acting municipal manager Manqoba Ngubo, the director of community services, Johnny Douglas, and the Knysna Fire Department's Kayla-Lee Harker. Behind them are Jason White, fire prevention officer Murrowayne Spies and the deputy mayor and chairperson of the planning, economic development and tourism committee, Morton Gericke. Photo: Rozano Alie