BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE— The Executive Director of the Eswatini Environmental Authority, Gcina Dladla, has raised concern over the rising risk of wildfires and open burning as the country enters the winter season, warning that fire emissions release toxic pollutants linked to cancer and respiratory diseases.
Speaking during an interview on 27 May 2026, he said wildfires remain a recurring challenge each year and require coordinated action among key institutions including disaster management agencies, fire services and the police to contain outbreaks and reduce damage to the environment and public health.
He warned that when vegetation, waste and forests burn, they release dangerous chemical compounds known as dioxins, which are classified as persistent organic pollutants.
He said these substances pose long term health risks. “Fire issues always trouble us every year so there are so many organisations like NDRMA, fire services and police that are working together to contain fire issues or challenges. When fire burns there are so many environmental concerns and a lot of damages,” he said.
He further cautioned the public against burning waste, saying the practice contributes significantly to air pollution and toxic emissions. “Firstly, what I want to warn today is that when there are fires, a lot of material is burned, leading to the release of pollutants called dioxins, which are classified as persistent organic pollutants. These cause significant damage, and once inhaled, they can lead to cancer and other respiratory diseases. That is why we discourage the burning of trash, because when materials are burned, pollutants are released,” he said.
He added that the impact of wildfires extends beyond immediate destruction, as burnt vegetation may not recover easily, allowing invasive plant species such as chromolaena odorata to spread in affected areas. “When burning wild or forest vegetation, when the plants grow back, these ecosystems do not recover the same way and that is where Sandanezwe, takes over,” he said.
He urged all organisations and stakeholders to actively participate in wildfire prevention efforts, stressing that collaboration is key to reducing environmental destruction and protecting public health during the dry winter period.
Authorities are expected to intensify awareness campaigns in communities as fire incidents typically increase during the cold and dry season, when vegetation is more flammable and burning is more common.
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