GEORGE NEWS - In a heartfelt act of community support, the Uniting Presbyterian Church of South Africa (UPCSA) in Thembalethu has extended a helping hand to 12 families who lost their homes in the devastating fires that ravaged the area in July.

The church's Fellowship of Women gathered at Old Bricks on Sunday 4 August to coordinate their outreach efforts. After hearing about the tragic incidents in Gushindoda, the group had been moved to action.

"We collected food and clothes from our homes to share with those affected," said Ntuthu Basie. 

"We believe that our prayers and social assistance have been of great help. We cry and celebrate with our community members because God uses people to reach out to others, and we make ourselves available."

One of the fire victims, Zizipho Kilili, expressed her gratitude, saying, "At first, the incident caused me a lot of trauma.

"We lost our furniture, clothes, and important personal documents. Now, I feel much better and encouraged as the Fellowship of Women has come to help us with food and clothes."

Ward Councillor Eric Mdaka conveyed his deep appreciation to the church for supporting the community. "It is mothers who redeem the nation from its troubles, and today I have seen the hand of God working through people," he said.

Some of the items that were collected for the victims of the fire. Photo: Rethabile Masilo

The group collected food and clothes from their homes to share with those affected by the fires. Photos: Rethabile Masilo‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’