22 July 2022.

The Northern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform MEC, Mme Mase Manopole, is calling on the public and land users to be on high alert for veld fires during this fire season. This comes after a preparatory meeting was held with all role player in order to increase the readiness of the Province, in response to the veldfires season.

MEC Manopole said due to good rains which the Province received this year, she was concerned that the fire risk might not be limited to eastern part of the Province only, but it could spread across the whole Province.

“We have also observed in the last season that fires were started by road users along the major road networks such as the N12 and N8. We also observed that some fires were started from various landfill sites, which then spread to neighboring farms. I urge people to be cautious when they perform rituals in an open veld and parents to be on the lookout when children play on the veld, as they may be in possession of flammable substance'' she said.

To avert the situation, the MEC further called on farm owners to follow the law by:

• At all times, make a fire break around their property that will prevent the spreading of a wildfire from, or onto the property;
• At least have a trained staff available should a fire start or spread onto the property,
• Having suitable and sufficient equipment to fight such a fire.

The MEC further urged motorist and pedestrians not to throw away cigarettes butts while driving or walking nor bottles as they can enhance the sunray’s and start fires.
The public is urged to contact the following district managers in case of veld fires outbreak:

1. John Taolo Gaetsewe District: Mr. JC Kalakgosi 082-734-4687
2. ZF Mgcawu District: Mr. Christo Smit 082-559-6778
3. Pixley Ka Seme District: Ms. Ntombi Mokgalagadi- 082-559-7289
4. Namakwa District: Mr. Darren Engelbrecht 082-560-8855
5. Francis Baard DistrictMs: Ms Tumi Mokgothu 083-561-6160
   
   End.
   Issued by the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform. For media enquiries contact Zandisile Luphahla, Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the MEC, on 083 391 53.