Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has intensified calls for the prevention of veld fires through responsible land use, protection of forests and wetlands, and preservation of the environment, following a sharp rise in fire damage in Matabeleland North.
A total of 81 022 hectares were destroyed by veld fires in 2025, marking a 72 percent increase from the 47 120 hectares recorded in 2024.
The concerning figures were revealed during the 2026 National Fire Week launch held in Matetsi, Hwange District, on Friday. The event was organised by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and attended by various stakeholders. The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North, Richard Moyo, was represented by Acting Director Mr Macmaster Mthethwa.
Addressing delegates, Minister Moyo attributed the increase in veld fires to poaching, arson and the growth of excessive biomass due to above-normal rainfall.
“Once associated with winter, this period is now increasingly hot and dry due to climate change, making early preparedness and proactive fire management more urgent than ever. Our theme, ‘Prevent, Protect, Preserve: Combating Veld Fires Together,’ is a call to collective action.
“The alarming rise destroyed grazing lands, forests, and property, threatening livelihoods and biodiversity. If we don’t act decisively, future generations will bear the cost,” said Minister Moyo.
He stressed that tackling veld fires must be treated as a national priority, requiring coordinated efforts that include public awareness, capacity building and practical prevention measures.
This, he said, includes the construction of fireguards, reducing excess vegetation through hay baling and thatch grass harvesting, and strengthening partnerships with traditional leaders, schools and civic organisations.
“Communities, equipped with knowledge and tools, are our first line of defence,” said Minister Moyo.
He further emphasised Government’s zero-tolerance stance on uncontrolled veld fires, warning that enforcement measures would be strengthened.
“Every citizen has a role to play – traditional leaders, farmers, tour operators, schools, transport operators and households alike. Simple actions, like not discarding cigarette butts or leaving open fires unattended, can save thousands of hectares,” he said.
EMA provincial manager Mrs Chipo Mpofu-Zuze said investigations showed that the surge in fires was mainly linked to poaching and deliberate burning in protected areas such as State forests, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) estates, and farms where landowners are absent.
She added that the impact was worsened by above-normal rainfall, which led to the build-up of large amounts of dry vegetation.
While Hwange District recorded the highest increase, with fire incidents rising by 200 percent, Lupane District also saw a significant rise of 171 percent.
However, some districts recorded notable improvements. Binga District achieved a 36 percent reduction in the area burnt, Bubi recorded an 83 percent decrease, while Nkayi maintained an impressive record of zero fires for six consecutive years.
“The lessons from Binga, Bubi and Nkayi show us that veld fires can be reduced when communities are empowered, supported and when they decide to take action because complacency is costly,” she said.
