Online Reporter
Stephen Mpofusibanda [email protected]
THE above message was reiterated by Vice-President Dr Kembo Mohadi in his address at the 2026 National Fire Week and Global Integrated Fire Management Hub launch in Goromonzi District three days ago.
In his address, Dr Mohadi stressed that authorities would step up enforcement measures against individuals responsible for starting veld fires. He highlighted common practices such as throwing cigarette butts out of car windows, leaving cooking fires unattended and using fire during hunting, warning that such careless behaviour continues to fuel the spread of destructive fires.
He noted that these fires contribute significantly to environmental damage, particularly through the release of harmful smoke into the atmosphere.
It is widely understood that this smoke, when combined with emissions from unmodified factory and coal mine chimneys, rises into the upper atmosphere where it contributes to the gradual erosion of the ozone layer.
This protective layer shields the earth from harmful solar radiation. Its depletion has serious consequences, including erratic weather patterns.
These effects may manifest as prolonged droughts that destroy food crops and leave communities facing hunger, or as heavy and destructive rainfall that wipes out crops, homes and livestock.
As a result, developing countries are often forced to divert already limited resources towards importing food in order to sustain their populations.
In this writer’s view, there is also a pressing need for traditional and political leaders to play a more active role in promoting environmental awareness. They should encourage communities to plant and conserve trees, which are essential for maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Trees support food production, help preserve water sources and sustain vegetation for both human beings and animals.
Without these natural resources, life becomes unsustainable, and the risk of environmental degradation leading to desert-like conditions increases.
Such outcomes are often driven by a lack of awareness and inadequate planning.
The mantra of the country’s incumbent government — “ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo”, “nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” — speaks directly to the responsibility of citizens in building and safeguarding their nation.
However, this vision can only be realised if no individual or community is left behind due to ignorance.
Educational institutions, therefore, have a critical role to play in shaping responsible citizens.
By instilling a sense of duty, environmental awareness and a commitment to national development in students, schools can help build a generation that actively contributes to the country’s progress.
Ultimately, sustainable national development will depend on informed, engaged and patriotic citizens who understand the importance of protecting their environment.
