Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MATABELELAND South and Matabeleland North have emerged as major veld fire hotspots this season, with authorities warning that provinces previously considered low-risk are experiencing extensive destruction as the country records five fire-related deaths.
The deaths compare with three recorded during the same period last year, while 80 fatalities have been recorded nationally since 2015, according to the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
As of October 15, Mashonaland West had recorded the largest area burnt, at 166 301 hectares, followed by Matabeleland North with 122 722ha and Matabeleland South with 108 709ha.
Despite the extensive destruction in some provinces, the country has recorded a decline in the total area burnt compared with the corresponding period last year.
Matabeleland South has, however, experienced a sharp increase in damage, with the area burnt rising from about 35 000ha by September last year to 80 000ha during the same period this year, representing an increase of about 129 percent.
In Matabeleland North, more than 40 000ha have reportedly been destroyed since the start of the veld fire season on July 1, with Hwange, Lupane and Umguza among the hardest-hit districts.
Speaking during a media workshop in Gwanda on Wednesday, EMA environmental education and publicity manager and spokesperson Mrs Amkela Sidange said the changing pattern of veld fires highlighted the need for stronger community participation and coordinated prevention measures.
She said provinces initially assessed as being at lower risk were now experiencing significant destruction, underlining the importance of sustained public awareness and compliance with fire prevention regulations.
“Those areas that were predicted to be very vulnerable and high risk to veld fires are performing better than those that were anticipated to be within the low range, one of them being Matabeleland South, which is sitting at number three,” said Mrs Sidange.
“We are seeing provinces like Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North, which were low-risk areas, now taking the lead. We need all stakeholders on board and especially the media as a tool of information dissemination.”
Mrs Sidange urged communities to take ownership of the fight against veld fires and protection of the environment.
She said the media had a critical role to play in translating environmental laws and regulations into accessible public information that encourages responsible behaviour and accountability.
The workshop, held on Wednesday and Thursday, was attended by journalists from various media houses, EMA officials, local authorities and representatives of parastatals. It aimed to strengthen media practitioners’ understanding of environmental challenges, legislation and sustainable natural resource management.
Mrs Sidange said informed reporting could help communities understand their responsibilities, report fire incidents and adopt practices that reduce the risk of veld fires.
“We need the media to translate environmental law and standards into clear public information and help communities understand their rights, duties and how to participate. The media can also influence compliance, reporting and behaviour change,” she said.
Mrs Sidange expressed concern over the loss of life, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and older people.
Two of the five deaths recorded this year involved people aged 80 and 96, she said.
Mrs Sidange said the country recorded its highest veld fire death toll in 2022, when 18 people died, including 10 who were killed in a single incident in Umzingwane District.
EMA has urged the public to comply with fire prevention regulations during the restricted fire period, which runs from July 31 to November 30 under Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007.
The agency warned against lighting fires outside residential or commercial premises, including for rubbish disposal and land clearing.
Landowners have also been urged to construct and maintain fireguards at least nine metres wide around properties and fields to help prevent fires from spreading.
EMA is encouraging communities to reduce dry vegetation, or fuel loads, through sustainable practices such as harvesting thatch grass, baling hay and collecting grass for livestock feed.
The veld fire season typically peaks between September and November, when vegetation is at its driest.
National statistics show that 988 veld fire incidents destroyed 343 258,68ha between July 31 and September 3 this year, representing a 16,69 percent decline in the number of incidents compared with the corresponding period last year.
