President Jacob Zuma and Western Cape Premier Helen Zille on Thursday paid a visit to the communities of Wit Lokasie and Knysna Heights, where recent raging fires caused deaths, injuries, large scale property damage and left scores of people displaced.
More than 1 100 firefighters from across South Africa battled to contain the deadly fires which ravaged one of South Africa's premier tourist destinations.
The destruction of at least 300 properties caused by five days of raging fire on the south-east coast could run into billions, while the loss of seven lives, hectares of forest, domestic and wild animals is incalculable.
While millions of rands in aid has been pledged to help the area, most residents are dependent on the tourist trade for employment and face an uncertain future while the region recovers.