Media statement on veld fires in the Northern Cape

21 October 2020

For immediate release

The MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms. Mase Manopole has called on communities to be vigilant when dealing with the persistent veld fire that continues to destroy grazing land and killing livestock in the Province.

The Department was informed by the local offices and farmers of ravaging veld fires in the Frances Baard District, especially around Jan Kempdorp and Warrenton area, which has seen farmers losing properties, livestock and grazing land.

Veld fires in the Northern Cape, are a persistent problem which frequently cause emergencies, and often grow to disastrous proportions.

Engagements between the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), who is working very closely with the District Disaster Management Centre (DDMC) to bring the fire under control have taken place.

The MEC has full faith in the efforts undertaken by the two centres to bring the fire under control.

The Department will release emergency fodder from its Fodder Bank to assist affected farmers to feed their animals. Extension officials have already been dispatched to carry out an assessment of the blemish and profiling of the affected farmers.

The Department has also engaged organised organized agriculture (AgriNK, Saam werk Saam trek, NAFU & AFASA) to have a coordinated response and provision of fodder.

The dryness of the vegetation and coupled with the effect of winds create perfect conditions for runaway fires. The Northern Cape has a High Fire Danger Index Rating around this time of the year and farmers are urged to ensure that there are proper fire lanes, that they are members of Fire Protection Associations in their areas.

Our team will continue to monitor the situation and update the people of the Northern Cape accordingly.

End.