With a heart driven by a passion for safety, and a desire to serve, Liezl Clause from St Francis Bay has been an integral part of the Disaster Volunteer Group (DVG) since its inception. For more than a decade she has volunteered her time to help the non-profit organisation mitigate the spread of fires, and provide essential assistance in the face of disaster, embodying the true spirit of community service.
Before DVG was officially registered as an NPO in 2013, the organisation was launched as the “Friends of St Francis Fire and Rescue” (FOSFFAR) in 2012.
FOSFFAR’s focus was disaster management, and within a few months of its establishment the volunteers were quickly thrust into their first major fire that destroyed 76 homes in St Francis Bay in November 2012.
Founding member, Clause, said that at the time, donors were looking for a reliable organisation to donate funds to, to assist the community, and FOSFFAR was identified as the most accountable and responsible organisation for managing the funds.
“We used these funds to strengthen the resources available to fight fires and any other disasters in the greater St Francis area,” said Clause.
She said they had developed a great relationship with St Francis Fire Services to focus on a satellite fire station with a skeleton standby crew, eventually becoming a fully equipped and permanently manned station.
“When we started the organisation, there was only a satellite fire station in St Francis Bay. During those early years, the DVG was often first on the scene of a fire, assisting Kouga Fire Services,” said Clause.
Finally, in 2013, she said they changed their fire-focus approach to encompass any disaster in St Francis Bay, and changed their name to DVG, with her as co-ordinator.
“We understand that municipal resources are limited, and our volunteer-based efforts continue to support the Kouga Fire Services efforts during times of fires and other disasters. We are also a trusted NPO, where 100 percent of donations are applied to the cause,” said Clause.
She further said DVG has been instrumental in fighting fires, arranging, and even underwriting the aerial firefighting support during the devastating nine-day fire from Cape St Francis to beyond Mostertshoek and Rebelsrus in 2016, and the subsequent fires in Harbour Road in 2018, and Lyme Road North in 2019.
Further elaborating on a successful project stirred by the DVG, Clause said that during the COVID-19 level 5 lockdown, they activated a feeding scheme to support the local Sea Vista community.
She said they initially aimed at raising R50 000; however, to their surprise, within weeks they managed to raise R1.8 million which they used to feed the underprivileged community.
“This was one of our largest undertakings and it was supported by stakeholders such as the South African Police Services, Kouga Local Municipality, Rotary, Spar, the National Sea Rescue Institute, St Francis United Church, and Smhart Security,” said Clause.
With a heart full of compassion, she shared her dual passions for safety and service to drive her volunteer efforts.
Clause also encouraged others to join her in making a difference, emphasising the value of donating time to help those in need and fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.
To assist the DVG, she said people are welcome to donate household goods, furniture, clothing, and building materials, to assist those who have lost their homes.
In addition, Clause said they also accept monetary donations which they use to buy supplies for food parcels which are handed over to those in need.
To assist the community at large, she urged individuals to take the initiative to learn about fire safety and emergency preparedness.
Moreover, Clause encouraged business owners to prioritise employee training, empowering their staff with the vital knowledge and skills necessary to respond confidently and effectively in the face of a fire emergency.
“It is important to be ready, by ensuring that your important documents are together and ready to be grabbed should you need to evacuate. Ensure that you have a municipal occupation certificate and electrical certificate of compliance lodged with your insurance company. Your home should also be equipped with a fire blanket in the kitchen, fire extinguisher, and fire hose reel, which should be regularly serviced,” said Clause.
