Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
COMMUNITIES in Matabeleland South have been called to action in veld fire prevention amid alarming statistics showing that the province lost 44 549 hectares of land to fires during the 2025 fire season compared to 33 374 hectares in 2024, which translates to 28,6 percent in burnt area.
While some districts like Beitbridge and Mangwe saw encouraging decreases, others faced devastating surges.
Gwanda and Bulilima districts, which recorded zero hectares lost in 2024, shot up significantly in 2025, with Gwanda losing nearly 11 000 hectares. Insiza remains the hardest-hit district, losing over 17 800 hectares of vital grazing land. The cause behind almost all of these recorded incidents remains unknown.
In a speech read on his behalf by Director for Environment and Infrastructure Development, Mr Daniel Njowa, during the Matabeleland South National Fire Week launch in Kombo Village 3, Ward 22 in Insiza District on Wednesday, Minister of State for Provincial
Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe said, preparedness is crucial in preventing veld fires.
“Preparedness is not a speech we give when the smoke is on the horizon. Preparedness is the sweat we expend before the wind picks up. No single agency can stop a veld fire,” he said.
“It requires the traditional leader to enforce local rules, the commercial rancher to clear kilometres of boundaries, the communal farmer to bale hay and every single citizen to handle fire with absolute care.”
Minister Nguluvhe said the fire week launch is a covenant for all stakeholders to protect biodiversity, to secure food supply, to defend our tourism economy, and to realise the goals of NDS2.
He said Government’s position is clear on a zero-tolerance policy towards uncontrolled veld fires. The Minister said law enforcement will be strengthened and surveillance will be increased.
Minister Nguluvhe said those who deliberately start fires, whether for poaching, land clearing, or malice, will face the full force of the law. He said enforcement alone is not enough.
Minister Nguluvhe said communities need to be capacitated with knowledge, firefighting equipment and early warning systems, urging development partners to come in handy.
“Let us protect our biodiversity, safeguard our livestock’s winter grazing and ensure that when the next dry season comes, Matabeleland South stands ready, united and resilient. Government cannot win this battle alone,” he said.
“Traditional leaders, school heads, RDCs, farmers, transport operators and every citizen must play their part. Do not throw cigarette butts out of car windows. Do not leave cooking fires unattended, report fire starters, build fireguards and local fire management committees.”
The second week of May is the National Fire Week, a time for reflection, raising awareness, and calling for collective action against the scourge of veld fires.
The theme for 2026 is “Prevent, Protect, Preserve: Combating Veld Fires Together.”
The late rains received in April have resulted in abundant biomass across much of the country resulting in heavier fuel loads.
The Environmental Management Agency’s national fire risk assessment shows that 41,9 percent of the country is at high risk and 11,6 percent at extreme risk with extreme risk zones expanding into previously medium-risk areas. Districts such as Insiza, Umzingwane and Matobo continue to be at high risk.
Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Matabeleland South provincial manager, Mr Decent Ndlovu, encouraged the community to prepare fire guards and do pre-suppression fire-burning measures.
He said every hectare of range land lost directly threatens the livestock that forms the economic backbone of our province.
“It threatens our biodiversity, destroys property and degrades the soil that feeds both people and animals. Let’s reflect on the lessons of the past to understand the urgency of the present,” said Mr Ndlovu.
He said Matabeleland South lost 44,549,53 hectares of land to veld fires in 2025, a 28,6 percent increase from the previous year.
“While we celebrate the ultimate victory that no human lives were lost in 2025 due to our aggressive awareness campaigns, we cannot rely on luck or passivity,” said Mr Ndlovu. —@DubeMatutu
