Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
VICE President Dr Kembo Mohadi has launched the Joint 2026 Integrated National Fire Management Framework and National Fire Management Week at Goromonzi High School in Mashonaland East Province.
The policy seeks to address the rising wildfire threat caused by climate change, focusing on proactive prevention rather than reaction.
It also focuses on approaches that unite land management, ecology and governance.
The launch comes at a time when the country embarks on a veldfire prevention campaign, which begins with the launch of National Fire Week held annually in the second week of May.
Before officially launching the policy framework, VP Mohadi planted a red mahogany tree/Muwawa in an exercise led by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe, Environmental Management Agency and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Thereafter, the Vice President toured various stands where companies exhibited products and services related to environmental and fire management.
The launch attracted delegates from the SADC Secretariat and some of its Member States, including Angola and Zambia, as well as South Asian countries such as Nepal.
Top Government officials and Cabinet Ministers, including Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Itayi Ndudzo and Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Evelyn Ndlovu, attended the launch.
Traditional leaders drawn from the province also attended the event.
The launch was held under the theme: Prevent, Protect, Preserve, Combating Fire Together.
During the launch, the Vice President called for collective efforts in combating veldfires, which he said cause destruction to grazing lands and infrastructure, as well as loss of human and animal lives.
He said this was not the time for complacency, adding that the Government maintains a zero-tolerance approach to veldfires and those found wanting would face the full wrath of the law.
He said Government cannot win the battle alone and called on traditional leaders to assist in the fight against veldfires.
The Vice President urged the nation to move in unison, saying preventing veldfires is a shared responsibility.
“This is not a time for complacency.
“It is a time for heightened vigilance and coordinated action.
“Government’s position is clear; we have a zero-tolerance policy towards uncontrolled veld fires. Law enforcement will be strengthened.
“Surveillance will be increased.
“Those who deliberately start fires, whether for poaching, land clearing, or malice, will face the full wrath of the law.
“We must also empower communities with knowledge, firefighting equipment and early warning systems,” he said.
“I, therefore, call upon our development partners to assist in this regard.
“The government cannot win this battle alone. Traditional leaders, school heads, RDCs, farmers, transport operators and every citizen must play their part.
“I urge you not to throw cigarette butts out of car windows and leave cooking fires unattended.
You should report those who start fires to responsible authorities, build fireguards, and join local fire management committees,” he said.
