By Anita Dangazele
Veld fires in the Eastern Cape have been raging for over 10 days, causing big problems for farmers and rural communities – and raising fears of their impact on food security.
The fires have destroyed over 7,000 hectares of grazing land and killed more than 200 animals, leaving farmers struggling to protect their livelihoods.
Nonceba Kontsiwe, MEC of the Eastern Cape rural development and agrarian reform department, is concerned about the impact on food security.
“These fires mainly affect communal farmers who depend on their livestock for survival and income. This makes it harder for us to fight poverty in the province,” Kontsiwe said.
On Tuesday, Kontsiwe shared the damage reports from several areas:
- Amahlathi: Over 550 hectares destroyed; one cow, one calf, and two goats killed.
- Elundini: 4,833 hectares of grazing land burned, eight cattle lost, and 26 hectares of maize destroyed.
- Emalahleni: 300 hectares burned, with significant property damage, including 235 bales of lucerne.
- King Sabata Dalindyebo: 900 hectares of grazing land burned, with 13 animals killed.
- Mhlontlo: Over 593 hectares of grazing land destroyed, with 171 sheep and 29 goats killed.
As the fires continue, many farmers are worried. Strong winds, reaching 110km/h, keep fuelling the flames across the western and central parts of the province.
The SA Weather Service issued an Orange Level 6 warning on Tuesday, raising fears of more damage. They also warned drivers to watch out for flying and burning debris from the fires on the roads, which could cause accidents.
Chris Hani district municipality spokesperson Bulelwa Ganyaza said firefighters are working hard to control the fire at Lawrence de Lange Game Reserve and nearby mountains. However, strong winds are making it difficult.
“Veld fires keep spreading … with teams in different areas trying to stop them. The dry and very windy conditions are making things worse,” Ganyaza said.
Pictured above: Strong winds spreading the fires in Komani, Eastern Cape.
Source: Supplied
