Story by Providence Maraneli
COMMUNITIES in Shangani, Matabeleland South Province, are stepping up veld fire prevention measures amid growing concerns over increased fire outbreaks that have previously caused deaths, destroyed property and wiped out grazing land.
The renewed vigilance comes as memories remain fresh of the 2006 Debshan Range veld fire tragedy, which claimed the lives of nine schoolchildren.
Working closely with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), villagers are intensifying awareness campaigns, activating firefighting teams and strengthening community response systems to reduce the risk of disasters during the fire season.
Environmental Monitor, Mr Philip Moyo said lessons from past disasters have pushed communities to become more proactive.
“We have learnt a lot from disasters that have happened in our area, so we have become more alert, and the lessons we receive from EMA are helping us a lot,” he said.
Community members said public awareness on the dangers of veld fires has improved significantly, with residents now actively participating in firefighting efforts.
“As a community, we have become aware of the dangers of veld fires, and we are now actively involved in firefighting efforts. Everyone is taking part because these fires affect all of us, and sometimes our livestock die because of them.
“We need to remain vigilant and work together to prevent veld fires. We also want to thank EMA for the training and awareness programmes being conducted in our community,” residents said.
According to EMA, Matabeleland South lost more than 44 000 hectares of land to veld fires in 2025, highlighting the growing threat facing the province.
EMA Matabeleland South Provincial Manager, Mr Decent Ndlovu warned that the province remains in a high-risk zone due to heavy grass cover and dry conditions.
“We recorded fewer veld fires in 2024, but in 2025 we noted a rapid increase. We therefore need to remain vigilant because we are in the red zone. There is a lot of grass in the fields and bushes, and we need to activate firefighting teams and strengthen measures to prevent and contain veld fires,” he said.
Authorities say the late rains received in April resulted in excessive biomass, increasing fuel loads across the country and heightening the risk of fire outbreaks.
Director of Infrastructure in the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Daniel Njowa said national fire risk assessments indicate worsening conditions.
“The Environmental Management Agency’s national fire risk assessment shows that 41.93 per cent of the country is at high risk, while 11.69 per cent is at extreme risk, with extreme-risk zones expanding into previously medium-risk areas.
“Districts such as Insiza, Umzingwane and Matobo remain at high risk,” he said.
In response, Matabeleland South Province is collaborating with Holistic Shangani to strengthen veld fire prevention and containment strategies in hotspot areas including Shangani and Umzingwane.
This year’s National Fire Week commemorations are being held under the theme: “Prevent, Protect, Preserve – Combating Veld Fires Together.”
