Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
MATABELELAND North province has witnessed a significant reduction in uncontrolled veld fires, with Tsholotsho and Umguza districts achieving a remarkable feat of recording zero fire incidences in the past three years.
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA), in collaboration with local authorities, traditional leaders, and community members, has implemented robust fire prevention strategies under a multi-stakeholder approach that is now bearing fruit.
Speaking during the official launch of the province’s 2025 fire season campaign, EMA Provincial Environmental Officer Mrs Sithabile Dube attributed the success to intensified awareness programmes, community vigilance, and the establishment of grassroots fire control structures.
“We have moved from being ranked second nationally in veld fire prevalence to sixth, which shows a clear downward trend. This progress is due to united efforts on all fronts,” she said.
In villages across the province, community members have taken ownership of fire management, with fire control committees actively monitoring and responding to any threats.
“In our village, we have fire control committees that are always on high alert. Whenever a fire breaks out, the community responds immediately to contain it,” one villager said.
“We now understand the dangers veld fires pose to our ecosystem. As a community, we work as a unit to ensure no fire is left unchecked, and we also understand the legal consequences of starting uncontrolled fires,” a community member said.
This grassroots engagement has contributed immensely to curbing the spread of fires, especially in fire-prone areas.
Mrs Dube emphasised the importance of continued vigilance, especially as the fire season progresses.
“This is a moment to celebrate, but also to remain vigilant. As a province that has previously topped the national charts for fire incidences, we must continue to work together and avoid complacency,” she said.
The success story of Matabeleland North is being hailed as a model for other provinces, illustrating the value of coordinated, inclusive fire management strategies.
EMA continues to advocate for the formation of fire control committees, community fire drills, and enforcement of fire bans during the dry season.
The decline in veld fires in Matabeleland North demonstrates the effectiveness of prevention, early response, and community ownership in environmental protection.
Despite the positive results, authorities remain on high alert, since the province is characterised by arid conditions and vast forested areas, and is particularly vulnerable to veld fires, which are often exacerbated by mining and agricultural activities.
