Yesterday the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mr Senzeni Zokwana travelled to Harrismith in the Free State to assess the damage caused by a veldfire that devastated the area. He was briefed by the MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Mamiki Qabethe, South African Police Services and various other safety and disaster service representatives.
The veldfire, whose cause is unknown, left three fatalities. Three other people are in hospital with injuries, one of which is critical condition. Mr Khehla Mokoena and Johann Mocke and his 15 year old son, Zander, lost their lives.
Thirty Four Thousand (34 000) hectares of grazing land were razed to the ground, a thousand sheep and 350 herd of cattle also died. Further assessments on the livestock are currently being made. Fences, water pipes, bales of fodder, eight farmhouses, a car, farming implements and agricultural infrastructure were also destroyed in the fire. People have been displaced but the number had not been confirmed at the time.
Said Mr Zokwana, “It is incredibly sad that people lost their lives. Going to Harrismith to witness the devastation first hand, and meeting the family of the father and son who died, were extremely touching. We conveyed a message of support to Mrs Melonie Mocke who is clearly devastated by her enormous loss. We went to convey a message of support to all the victims and every single farmer and farmworker whose life has been affected.”
“Getting additional, trained fire fighting personnel will greatly assist us in preventing damages of this extent. We also greatly require more fire fighting equipment to improve our capacity. The department’s disaster management services will assess the damage and provide us with a report. In the meantime, we will see how we can provide immediate assistance to the workers and farmers who have lost their livelihood and homes,” said Minister Zokwana.
Among the immediate means of assistance required includes psychological counseling for affected families, fodder for livestock and supply of water for livestock, repairs of fences, medication for animals.
The fire has since been extinguished.
Enquiries:
Palesa Mokomele
Spokesperson of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Tel: 012 319 7876 (PTA)
Fax: 012 319 6681 (PTA)
Tel: 021 467 4502 (CPT)
Fax: 021 465 6550 (CPT)
Cell: 082 904 1908
E-mail: PalesaM@daff.gov.za
