Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Minister Sicelo Shiceka says that everything is being done to stop the veld fires that ravaged the areas of Tzaneen and Thabazimbi in Limpopo this afternoon.
The minister has expressed concern around the devastating effects of the fire. The department has dispatched a task team to do an assessment of the situation, and a preliminary report has revealed that the fire has affected about eighty thousand hectares which include the game farm, cattle and crop farms in the area of Thabazimbi.
In an effort to curb the situation, four helicopters have been assigned to the areas two of which are from the Working on Fire programme and the other two are from the Defence Force.
The minister has expressed his support and gratitude for the cooperation from various role players (disaster team workers in the province, community members, the farming community, volunteers etc.) who have been working tirelessly to ensure that the situation is contained in both Thabazimbi and Tzaneen.
"We would like to commend all those who were involved in assisting the affected communities to stop the fires, and as government, we therefore commit ourselves to do everything in our power to ensure that in every possible way, we assist those affected by these fires".
A further detailed preliminary assessment report is expected to be submitted to the Cooperative Governance MEC in the Limpopo province and the minister by tomorrow. In the meantime, the situation on the ground is being monitored hourly.
For all media queries and requests for interviews with the minister, please contact:
Mbulelo Musi
Cell: 082 338 3890
Minister says government is doing everything to stop the fires and assist communities affected by the disaster in Limpopo
