Smouldering veld fire: Randgate business owners concerned

Aside from the effects it has on their health, business owners are losing business due to a smouldering veld fire on the corner of Malan and Langerman streets.

Truia Trewick, the owner of a laundromat, explained she had lost two customers due to the smoke. She is unable to hang the clothes to dry as it smells like smoke and her clients decided they had to find another laundromat. She added in 2023 they had the same struggle during the winter months.

“It is a loss of income. I have to care for myself, my income is from the laundromat and the smoke is chasing away my clients,” Trewick said.

Martie Visagie, who owns a dog parlour, stated her eyes are tearing and her sinuses are heavily affected. Besides her health, she raised concerns for the children at a nursery school nearby.

She mentioned to prevent the fire from spreading, it would be best to have the grass cut regularly and the trees and shrubs removed.

Aside from the smoke, they also have to deal with the smell of sewage running from the veld as well as homelessness taking over the area – another big concern for business owners.

The Rand West City Local Municipality was approached in mid-July about these concerns. However, no response was given at the time. The Randfontein Herald approached them again and once their feedback is received, it will be published.

Recently, Working on Fire’s Kishugu Joined Venture provincial communications officer Parapara Makgahlela told the Herald’s sister publication, Krugersdorp News, that the province recorded 137 veld fires since the start of the winter fire season.

“An estimated 4 688 hectares of grassland vegetation has been scorched by veld fires. There is a surge in terms of fires. The vegetation is currently dry and the impact of climate change would exacerbate the intensity, frequency, and spread of veld fires. We urge people not to leave a fire unattended or start fires or throw away burning cigarette buds,” said Makgahlela.