On Friday, the Premier of the Northern Cape, Zamani Saul, along with the MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Land Reform and Rural Development, Mase Manopole, took a helicopter ride over Jan Kempdorp and Warrenton to assess the damage that was caused by veld fires in this province. 

OFM News’ Elsabé Richard spoke to Manopole about the extent of the damage…

See PODCAST below...

Manopole stated that the damage caused by veld fires can easily add up to about 100 000 hectares in these areas. She said the sad scene of the black remanence of the fire stood out while flying over the affected areas.

The MEC also added that her department has immediately made available fodder for affected farmers to help with feeding their livestock. She further explained that her department is waiting for the final report regarding the size of the area that was destroyed in order to establish the extent of the needs of affected farmers.

Manopole indicated that fodder is being transported to farmers from the department’s suppliers in Upington as well as Vaalharts in the province.

Furthermore, she also urged community members to refrain from starting veld fires as this can have dire consequences, not only for the farmer but for food security as well.

“We know that we have challenges of drought in our province… So, please don’t drop [burning] cigarettes and don’t start a fire,” appealed Manopole.

Meanwhile, the damage caused by veld fires in the Free State has claimed about 100 000 hectares of land, including properties and animals. Furthermore, the North West also reported veld fires that have left a young farmer in the Schweizer-Reneke area with 55% burn wounds.

OFM News