Limpopo ablaze

As wildfires have been raging across the province the past week, havoc and destruction on more than 40 farms add to escalating damages recorded since June.
More than 4 000 hectares of grass, plantation and vegetation in the province were lost due to fires that erupted on farms and in open fields during the winter fire season which commenced in June. According to the Spokesperson for Limpopo Working on Fire (WoF) Mmatema Gwangwa they have responded to 88 wildfires across the province since the start of the fire season. “During the month of August 27 wildfires were reported compared to July that had 38 wildfires reported. A total of 1 942 hectares were burnt in August 2019 and 2 985 hectares in July 2019. We most recently also responded to 12 wildfires, seven of which occurred in the Modimolle, Mookgophong, Zebediela, Doornkraal, Tzaneen, Giyani, Molemole Nylsvlei Nature Reserve and Vaalwater areas,” Gwangwa said.
“We have partnered with fire protection associations, Government departments, municipalities and communities to save lives, protect the environment and infrastructure. We have received a notification from the South African weather service predicting that from October until December there will be a heatwave. So, we are expecting more fires during that period. We are pleading with communities to be alert and cautious at all times,” Gwangwa stated.
Around Polokwane wildfires had to be combatted and contained at Kuschke Nature Reserve as well as along the R101 and N1 routes in the vicinity of Protea Hotel Ranch Resort earlier this week and late last week.
Spokesperson for Polokwane Municipality Matsidiso Mothapo said about 25 hectares were affected at Kuschke and six farms along the N1 South. Mothapo stressed that they didn’t know the cause of the fires but that they suspected vagrants judging by the sporadic nature of those fires. “We were able to respond to all the fire incidents and we will continue to work with communities to create more awareness about wildfires.”
Modimolle-Mookgophong Mayor, Marlene van Staden said they had been shocked by the fires which had a severe impact on the economy. “The fires burnt on the side of the N1 and R101 making it difficult and dangerous for motorists to drive because there was smoke all over. Nylsvley Nature Reserve and adjacent farms were badly affected. A lot of vegetation was lost, including grazing and production land. We intend requesting the Department of Agriculture to assist the farmers financially,” Van Staden said.
She thanked WoF for their quick response in dealing with the fires. “They were prompt and also sent helicopters to various farms in the area to help suppress the fires,” she said.
Zaid Kalla, spokesperson for the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism said the fire near Nylsvley Nature Reserve started on Monday and the damage impacted negatively on the reserve. “Vaalbos Camp within the reserve has been 99% affected followed by the Main Camp with 37% burns. No human injuries were reported. The department is saddened by the damage caused by the fire. A team will be assessing the extent of the damage and loss of species on Thursday (today),” he said. The reserve prides itself with over 100 different species including mammals, amphibians, and birds. According to Kalla, Nylsvley, a Ramsar Wetland site, has during the past years indicated its potential to constantly lure tourists due to its environmentally friendly attractions.
Kalla added that uncontrolled fires are a danger to the biodiversity residing within the area. “Nylsvley is currently still open for business. The department is currently availing alternative grazing options for the animals. Due to our efforts in conserving nature, the affected camps will be refurbished by the first rains of the season,” he concluded.

Story: Herbert Rachuene
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