The Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, together with the Pixley Ka Seme District Fire Protection Associations and the South African Police Service, embarked on a successful veldfire awareness campaign roadblock along Colesberg’s busy N1 route.

The purpose of the campaign was to make motorists aware of the dangers of veldfires, while encouraging them to remain consistently vigilant and mindful of open fires. Veldfires pose a serious threat to agriculture and the environment and, in some instances, can lead to loss of life. Every effort to prevent and control veldfires is therefore critical. A representative from the Disaster Management Unit, Ms Mojatsohle Kumang, outlined the impact of veldfires on farmers. “Fires devastate vast areas of grazing land, leaving livestock without sufficient feed and water. During these veldfires, many animals sustain burns, suffer from smoke inhalation, and experience stress-related health challenges, while others die during the blaze,” she emphasised. She further noted that effective disaster risk reduction requires a collective effort from all stakeholders. Through coordinated action, the risks associated with veldfires can be reduced, ensuring a safer environment for all.

The Disaster Management Act (Act 57 of 2002) emphasises the importance of coordinated risk reduction efforts rather than sole reliance on post-disaster relief measures. During the roadblock, more than 500 veldfire awareness pamphlets, fridge magnets, and car disk stickers were distributed to motorists