Parliament of South Africa
Parliament of South Africa
07/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/26/2024 15:16
Media Statement: Agriculture Committee Chairperson Notes Devastating Veld Fires in KZN
Parliament, Friday, 26 July 2024 - The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Ms Dina Pule, has noted with dismay the incident report from the KwaZulu-Natal's (KZN's) Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on the recent severe veld fires in the province.
KZN has been ravaged by uncontrolled veld fires since 6 July 2024. The report indicates that in the past 10 days, approximately 22 000 hectares of grazing land and over 5 000 head of livestock are reported to have been destroyed by veld fires in the province. More than 200 livestock farmers' associations and smallholder farmers have been affected.
According to the report, in recent months the farmers in the province have had to deal with various weather-related hazards that have had a negative impact on agricultural production. In July, for example, KZN experienced several cold fronts, accompanied by strong winds and wildfires across the province.
The wildfires fanned by these strong winds have led to livestock, grazing, pasture and crop loss, as well as damage to infrastructure. In total, it is estimated these losses amount to approximately R69,35 million, which includes approximately 22 121 hectares of lost grazing land and approximately 5 219 animals. The worst-affected districts are King Cetshwayo, Harry Gwala, Umgungundlovu, Umzinyathi and Zululand districts. The highest percentage of farmers affected are smallholder and subsistence farmers.
Ms Pule said: "The report has confirmed the catestrophic consequences of the veld fires in the KZN province we have been noting in the media. We have noted with appreciation the strategies of the KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to fight the continuation of the devastating veld fires and other incidents of severe weather in the province," said Ms Pule.
Ms Pule said it is regrettable that this damage happens to the major economy in the province. "The committee stands with the provincial Department of Agriculture and the victims of the devastating veld fires in these trying times," added Ms Pule.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, MS DINA PULE.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Mava Lukani (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 503 1840
Email: [email protected]
KZN has been ravaged by uncontrolled veld fires since 6 July 2024. The report indicates that in the past 10 days, approximately 22 000 hectares of grazing land and over 5 000 head of livestock are reported to have been destroyed by veld fires in the province. More than 200 livestock farmers' associations and smallholder farmers have been affected.
According to the report, in recent months the farmers in the province have had to deal with various weather-related hazards that have had a negative impact on agricultural production. In July, for example, KZN experienced several cold fronts, accompanied by strong winds and wildfires across the province.
The wildfires fanned by these strong winds have led to livestock, grazing, pasture and crop loss, as well as damage to infrastructure. In total, it is estimated these losses amount to approximately R69,35 million, which includes approximately 22 121 hectares of lost grazing land and approximately 5 219 animals. The worst-affected districts are King Cetshwayo, Harry Gwala, Umgungundlovu, Umzinyathi and Zululand districts. The highest percentage of farmers affected are smallholder and subsistence farmers.
Ms Pule said: "The report has confirmed the catestrophic consequences of the veld fires in the KZN province we have been noting in the media. We have noted with appreciation the strategies of the KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to fight the continuation of the devastating veld fires and other incidents of severe weather in the province," said Ms Pule.
Ms Pule said it is regrettable that this damage happens to the major economy in the province. "The committee stands with the provincial Department of Agriculture and the victims of the devastating veld fires in these trying times," added Ms Pule.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, MS DINA PULE.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Mava Lukani (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 503 1840
Email: [email protected]