Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
THE Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, has issued a critical call for collective action, urging all stakeholders to adopt responsible behaviour as the province escalates its efforts to mitigate devastating losses from veld fires during the current fire season. The appeal comes as authorities intensify preventative measures against the destructive blazes.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Provincial Director for Infrastructure Development and Environment, Mr Daniel Njowa, during the recent Matabeleland South Provincial National Fire Week Launch at Fairview Primary School in Bulilima, Minister Nguluvhe urged farmers and property owners to adopt recommended fire prevention strategies.
These include the construction of internal and external fireguards, biomass reduction through hay baling, and the formation and training of firefighting teams.
The event was held alongside the commemoration of the International Day for Biodiversity.
The National Fire Week launch marks the beginning of veld fire awareness campaigns, community training, and the prosecution of offenders. It serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with the uncontrolled burning of grasslands, especially during the hot and windy fire season.
In 2022, the province lost 194 000 hectares of land to veld fires. The number dropped to 100 000 hectares in 2023, while so far in the 2024 season, 33 000 hectares have been lost.
Minister Nguluvhe said the fire season also presents an opportunity for intensive environmental education and skills development focused on sustainable ecosystem management.
“I call upon all ministries, departments, and Government agencies with a stake in veld fire management to go out in full force and build capacity in all our communities. I urge everyone to desist from fire-causing behaviour during the restrictive period.
“Let’s not leave anyone behind in the fight against veld fires. All stakeholders should play their part. I call upon all our districts to roll out robust awareness campaigns. Together we can safeguard our environment, property, and livelihoods for future generations,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said this year’s fire prevention theme underscores the importance of collective action in protecting Zimbabwe’s natural and cultural heritage, and in conserving biodiversity and ecosystems.
He noted that preventing veld fires contributes to long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
“It also plays a critical role in achieving the goals set out in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Safeguarding our environmental goods, property, and human lives from destruction by veld fires remains a key priority,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He emphasised that an early start to pre-suppression measures is crucial, as the country continues to experience high biomass growth due to above-normal rainfall.
Nationally, the 2025 Fire Week was recently launched by the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, at the Harare International Conference Centre under the theme: “Prevent Veld Fires – Protect Our Environment.”
Zimbabwe commemorates National Veld Fire Week in the second week of May each year, in line with the country’s Fire Management Plan and Strategies of 2006.
The week aims to activate awareness programmes across communities, stressing the importance of fire prevention.
Zimbabwe’s National Veld Fire Management Strategy focuses on prevention, suppression, and post-fire recovery. It also promotes community involvement, awareness campaigns, firefighter training, equipment mobilisation, and the construction of fireguards.
The International Day for Biodiversity is commemorated on May 22, each year. — @DubeMatutu
