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On 14 October 2025, the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (ECCOGTA) handed over veld firefighting equipment to the Joe Gqabi and Chris Hani District Municipalities in Bhisho. The handover was done through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre in partnership with Santam. This event formed part of the province’s ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster response and improve community resilience.
What Happened
The handover included essential firefighting gear and tools designed to help municipalities and local volunteers respond more effectively to veld fires. These resources will support both municipal disaster units and rural communities often exposed to high fire risks during dry seasons. MEC Zolile Williams addressed municipal representatives, emergency officials, and community stakeholders, stressing the urgent need for readiness and resource sharing.
“We have made an assessment with regards to fire services, and unfortunately, we are not well resourced,” said MEC Williams.
“In 2023, a massive fire incident led to many people losing their properties and livestock. As government, we must protect the vulnerable, they are the ones most affected by disasters. Public participation should not only focus on municipalities, but also on empowering communities.”
Official Response
MEC Williams stressed that the provincial government is intensifying disaster management capacity through equipment support, training, and partnerships. He said collaboration between the private sector and municipalities is vital to build sustainable, community-based disaster resilience.
Furthermore, ECCOGTA reaffirmed its commitment to working with local governments to strengthen early warning systems and improve inter-district coordination during emergencies.
Community Impact
The initiative will help reduce response times and improve fire containment in vulnerable farming and rural areas. As a result, residents will be better equipped to protect property, livestock, and critical grazing land during the upcoming fire season.
In addition, the handover supports ECCOGTA’s long-term goal of ensuring that every district in the Eastern Cape has the necessary tools and skills to manage disasters effectively.
