Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has rolled out an intensive campaign to raise awareness against veld fires across Matabeleland South.
In a statement, EMA Matabeleland South environmental education and publicity officer, Mr Simon Musasiwa, said, coupled with the fire risk prediction of low to high risk for the Matabeleland South province there is a need for increased diligence by property owners and land users across the province.
He said Bulilima and Mangwe Districts have been covered so far.
“The 2025 fire restriction period commenced on the 31st of July 2025 thus marking the onset of a period with increased risk of veld fires or runaway fires. This has already been felt in the Matabeleland South Province, as deadly fires have already been witnessed in August.
“This then calls for all stakeholders to become active in the fight against veld fires through increased education and awareness, increased enforcement of veld fire prevention mechanisms, and increased compliance by property owners and users.
“Environmental Management Agency has commenced a week-long intensive campaign against veld fires with the Bulilima and Mangwe districts having been covered by the exercise so far,” he said.
Mr Musasiwa said the trainings have seen over 500 farmers, traditional leaders, leading ministries and industrialists being engaged not only on veld fire management but also on other emerging environmental concerns such as solid waste management and land degradation from mining operations.
The exercise will see five of the province’s major veld fire-prone districts being engaged at the grassroots level for indepth discussion on veld fire management as well as other emerging environmental concerns.
“Emerging from the current discussions is the impact of biodiversity loss from recurring veld fires that has seen districts like Bulilima and Mangwe lose beneficial grass and tree species with their replacement by non-beneficial and invasive species that have negatively affected livestock production. The issue of plastic pollution has also been flagged as a problem in livestock production, as stud animals have been lost due to the ingestion of plastic waste.
“As an agency we will continue to work with everyone in raising awareness against all forms of environmental degradation. Let us all have our fireguards in place as well as commence on biomass reduction activities. On solid waste management let us desist from rampant littering as well as dumping of waste at undesignated points. Let us Reduce, Re-Use, and Recycle for a prosperous Zimbabwe,” he said.
@DubeMatutu
