Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
MATABELELAND NORTH – TRADITIONAL leaders in Matabeleland North have pledged to intensify the fight against veld fires by ensuring perpetrators are penalised.
This comes as the province continues to make notable progress in reducing veld fires, with recent statistics from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) indicating a decline in fire incidents, much to the satisfaction of environmental stakeholders.
Despite these gains, traditional leaders have pledged not to relent in the battle against wildfires, particularly in high-risk zones bordering parks and forests.
“In areas close to parks and forests, we are very strict. In my jurisdiction, we fine offenders the equivalent of five or six goats and this has been very effective,” Chief Saba of Binga said.
“We follow up thoroughly on people who start fires. We believe that only through tough deterrent measures can we truly address this challenge,” Chief Menyezwa of Lupane echoed.
Chief Kavhula also stressed the importance of raising awareness on the consequences of starting veld fires.
“We believe that sometimes it is important to emphasise the consequences of starting fires. This approach has helped us a lot .”
Fighting veld fires has been defined as a battle that may be won if communities pull together and report perpetrators to authorities on time.
