08 August 2023

MEDIA STATEMENT : DEPARTMENT CALLS ON LAND USERS AND FARMERS TO BE VIGILANT OF VELD FIRES

The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, Rural Development, Environment and Nature Conservation is making a plea to all land users and farmers to continue practicing precautionary measures when dealing with veld fires during this season.

From May to July 2023 a total of 15393 ha of grazing land were ravished by veld fires in some parts of John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality.

The Conservation of Agricultural Act (CARA), Act 43 of 1983, stipulates that burned veld has to be rested for at least one growing season. It is thus recommended that farmers be advised to rest camps affected fires.
- Farmers need to be encouraged to form Fire Protection Associations (FPA) and to be members as well.
- Farmers (and farming communities) through FPAs need to be capacitated on the importance of preventing veld fires, the construction strategy of fire belts. And also on how to control veld fires, to use different fire-fighting equipment

The priority must be to reduce the risk of veld fires as well as preparedness to combat fires that might occur during this seasons. Annually veld fires result in disastrous damage to natural grazing land, animals and properties while in some instance it leads to loss of human life.

These sporadic fires in the main are caused by the aridness of grass and shrubs during this time of the year as well as prevailing winds. The dryness of the vegetation coupled with the effect of winds create perfect conditions for runaway veld fires in the province - hence precautionary measures must be adhered too.

The Department is making a plea to farmers, farm dwellers and motorist to continue acting wisely when dealing with open fires and when operating machinery or smoking. They must continue practicing safety measures to help in preventing veld fires. Motorist and pedestrians are also urged not to throw away cigarettes butts while driving or walking.

Farmers and land users are encouraged to contact their respective municipalities to report veld fires, nearest fire station or police station on the following numbers 10177 or 08 600 10111. End

Mr Bassy Silingile – Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC
Department of Agriculture. Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform
Cell: 082 675 1841
Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
daerl.ncpg.gov.za