The past weeks have surely been among the most difficult times Greater Gansbaai has ever endured – relentless wildfires that, since Sunday, 23 November 2025, flared up one after the other (perhaps even deliberately ignited?!), coupled with a complete power outage from Tuesday, 25 November until Saturday morning, 29 November.
How does one truly say thank you to the Overstrand Fire Department – especially our Gansbaai men and women – to the traffic officers, law enforcement, volunteer firefighters and also Eskom? The Gans-Berg Nuus is aware of criticism from the community, whether directed at the fire brigade or Eskom – justified or not – but that is not the issue here. The fact remains: men and women carried on under brutally difficult circumstances, without pause. The worst of the fires may be behind us, yet even as this report goes to press on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, there are still places where smouldering earth bursts into flames again – with ominous clouds of dark smoke rising daily.
These past weeks will long remain in Gansbaai’s memory. Flames consumed hillsides, smoke drifted over neighbourhoods, and a heavy sense of uncertainty hung over the town like a blanket. For many, it meant sleepless nights, days of waiting, hoping, and praying. Even the thundering of helicopters became part of the day’s rhythm – a reminder of the scale of the danger and the urgency of the battle against the fire. And yet, amid the chaos, something else burned brightly: the spirit of our community, and the unwavering courage shown by the men and women of the Overstrand Fire Department, the traffic officers, law enforcement, and ambulance services where needed. With mountains ablaze around them and unpredictable winds changing the game by the minute, our firefighters gave themselves to days and nights of exhausting work. They stared danger in the face, sacrificed their own safety, and stood firm when the flames roared closer. Their endurance, their grit, and their willingness to enter the fire lines again and again deserve not only thanks, but the deepest respect.
Our gratitude also extends to the residents of Gansbaai – people who, in the heat of crisis, stood together, handing out water, refreshments, cooldrinks, and words of comfort. These simple acts of kindness nourished not only bodies but also hearts. In such moments, a town proves that it is not merely a place, but a community – a family that stands together without faltering.
And in the midst of smoke and strain, another challenge arose: burnt Eskom poles that left the town without electricity for nearly four days. We cannot but express our gratitude to the Eskom teams as well – it was tireless work to restore power, sometimes in impassable terrain, sometimes for hours without rest. Your hard work brought hope back when it was dark – both literally and figuratively. One of the Gans-Berg News’ readers, remarked: “I visited one of the Eskom teams working on the power lines,” he said. “Even some distance away I felt the scorching heat, and I did not want to imagine what it felt like where they were working.” Power was restored early on Saturday morning, even though it was only expected by evening – thanks to teams who worked through Friday night.
Gansbaai, we have suffered greatly these past weeks. But we have also seen brave people rise, neighbours care for one another, and the heartbeat of a town revealed in its people. To the Overstrand Fire Department, to every resident who helped, to Eskom, our traffic officers, law enforcement, volunteer firefighters – and to everyone who supported in any way: Thank you – thank you from the depths of our hearts. It was a time of fire and of darkness – but also a time of extraordinary humanity.
(Archive photos: Gans-Berg News)
Hardus Botha
