As temperatures continue to drop across the Province, Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Faith Mazibuko calls upon residents to exercise greater caution to prevent burn-related incidents, which typically increase during the winter months due to the use of heating devices.
Many households rely on heaters, paraffin stoves, open fires, candles, hot water and electrical appliances to keep warm during colder weather. However, the unsafe use of these heating sources continues to place families at risk, particularly children and older persons.
The department is warning residents about the dangers associated with the unsafe use of braziers, commonly known as imbawula, which are widely used for heating during winter. Imbawula should never be used inside poorly ventilated rooms or left unattended, as they pose a serious risk of burn injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning and may even lead to death.
The awareness campaign forms part of National Burns Awareness Week, observed from 05 to 09 May 2026, to educate the public burn prevention and encourages communities and individuals to adopt safer practices at home, in workplaces and in public spaces.
It remains a concern that the majority of admissions involve children. In 2024 and 2025, one of the busiest specialised burns unit in the province recorded a total of 743 paediatric patients’ admissions for burns, with approximately 80% of cases linked to hot water burns, flame burns and electrical injuries. Between January and April 2026 alone, the facility recorded 116 paediatric burn admissions.
“We are urging parents and caregivers to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of burns by keeping children away from open flames, heaters, paraffin stoves, hot liquids and cooking areas. Residents are also advised to ensure that electrical appliances, gas equipment and heating devices are safely used and properly maintained. Candles, fires and cooking should never be left unattended, as this may lead to devastating incidents, particularly among children.
Accordingly, members of the public should familiarise themselves with basic burn first aid procedures. In the event of a burn injury, the affected area should immediately be cooled under clean running water for 20 minutes and immediate medical attention should be sought for serious burns” said MEC Mazibuko.
The Department cautions against applying ice, toothpaste, oil, butter or traditional remedies to burns, as these may worsen the injury and increase the risk of infection. It is advisable to refrain from bursting blisters or removing clothing stuck to burnt skin, as this may cause further tissue damage and complications.
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Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health
Gauteng Department of Health’s Spokesperson on
Steve Mabona, 072 574 3860 or email: healthmediaenquiries@gauteng.gov.za
Public complaints and compliments must be send directly to: patientcomplaints.health@gauteng.gov.za or send SMS to 35023.
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Department of Health’s portal at www.gauteng.gov.za
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