Eastern Cape Faces Widespread Veldfire Devastation, Threatening Rural Livelihoods and Food Security

Buffalo City,  – The Eastern Cape is grappling with a series of uncontrolled veldfires, which have caused widespread devastation, destroying pastures, livestock, and agricultural infrastructure. These fires, primarily affecting communal farmers, are undermining efforts to combat poverty and secure food security in the province.

MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Ms. Nonceba Kontsiwe, addressed the media, highlighting the severe impact these fires have on the province’s agricultural sector and the livelihoods of its people.

Our province is currently facing widespread, uncontrolled veldfires, which are destroying pastures, livestock, agricultural infrastructure, and the livelihoods of farmers. These fires primarily affect communal farmers, who rely on livestock for their sustenance and economic stability. This situation hinders our efforts to combat poverty in the province,” she stated.

The veldfires are not only threatening rural economies but are also exacerbating food insecurity in a province already struggling with high levels of child malnutrition, as recently reported by the Human Rights Commission.

“The ongoing destruction caused by these veldfires makes it even harder for us to tackle our challenges. It undermines our ability to implement policies aimed at addressing poverty, inequality, and unemployment,” Kontsiwe emphasized.

Understanding Fire Risks and Consequences

South Africa’s natural ecosystems are prone to fires, with alternating wet and dry seasons creating high fire risks. Urban expansion, the spread of invasive plant species, and the accumulation of dry vegetation further intensify these risks. The consequences of uncontrolled veldfires are devastating, especially for rural communities, causing loss of life, destruction of property, and severe disruptions to rural economies.

The MEC outlined the legal framework guiding fire management in the country, including the National Veld and Forest Fire Act and the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act. These laws emphasize the importance of firebreaks, proper notification, and the formation of Fire Protection Associations (FPAs) to manage and mitigate fire risks effectively.

Recent Veldfire Incidents and Damage

Recent veldfires have severely impacted several districts across the Eastern Cape. The latest reports indicate significant damage:

• Mhlontlo: Over 593 hectares of grazing land destroyed, with 171 sheep and 29 goats lost.
• KSD (King Sabata Dalindyebo): 900 hectares of grazing land burned, resulting in the death of 13 animals.
• Amahlathi: Over 550 hectares destroyed; 1 cow, 1 calf, and 2 goats perished.
• Emalahleni: 300 hectares burned, along with significant property damage, including 235 bales of lucerne.
• Intsika Yethu: 58 sheep lost to the fires.Elundini: 4,833 hectares of grazing land burned, with 8 cattle lost and 26 hectares of maize destroyed.

These figures underscore the urgency of collective action to prevent and control veldfires and support affected communities.

Call to Action and Future Plans

MEC Kontsiwe urged all stakeholders, including government, civil society, and the private sector, to work together to mitigate the impact of these fires. “We plan to launch a coordinated Provincial Food and Nutrition Security Plan on World Food Day, October 16, 2024. However, ongoing veldfires pose a significant challenge and are becoming an obstacle to our efforts.”

In September, the department will engage with farmer associations across the province to better understand their challenges and discuss strategies to support them. Kontsiwe emphasized the importance of sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and youth entrepreneurship in rural areas as key components of their food security initiatives.

The province has also adopted the Eastern Cape Agriculture Investment Framework (ECAIF) to revitalize the agriculture sector, aiming to optimize underutilized land and enhance sector performance in terms of growth and employment.

As the Eastern Cape continues to battle these devastating veldfires, the commitment to ensuring food security, reducing poverty, and fostering economic growth remains a top priority for the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform.