- Protects forests and uplifts vulnerable families
BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
NDZINGENI – A campaign aimed at protecting Eswatini’s forests from destructive veld fires turned into a powerful demonstration of community unity, environmental stewardship and compassion as Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla joined residents, traditional leaders and corporate partners at Endzingeni Sports Ground.
The Fire Awareness Campaign, organised through a partnership between Peak Timbers, Ndzingeni Inkhundla and the National Disaster Risk Management Agency (NDRMA), brought together hundreds of community members to strengthen public awareness on fire prevention while celebrating Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage and supporting vulnerable households.
The initiative comes at a crucial time when veld fires continue to pose a serious threat to forests, wildlife, grazing land, homes and livelihoods across the country, particularly during the dry winter season. Every year, uncontrolled fires destroy valuable timber plantations, damage ecosystems, reduce agricultural productivity and place lives at risk, making public education one of the most effective tools in reducing fire-related disasters.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Prime Minister Dladla called on communities, businesses, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to work together in preventing veld fires, stressing that protecting the country’s natural resources is a shared national responsibility.
She encouraged residents to remain vigilant, report fire outbreaks promptly and avoid activities that could accidentally ignite fires, saying sustainable environmental protection begins with responsible individual actions.
Peak Timbers representative Nhlanhla Nxumalo outlined the company’s ongoing investment in community fire education programmes, explaining that continuous awareness campaigns are helping communities understand the causes of veld fires and the devastating economic and environmental losses they create.
To reinforce the lessons, Peak Timbers also showcased its specialised firefighting equipment and emergency water delivery systems, giving residents an opportunity to witness how professional fire crews respond rapidly to contain wildfires before they spread to larger areas.
The live demonstrations highlighted the importance of early detection, rapid response and community cooperation in preventing small fires from escalating into major disasters.
Traditional leaders also rallied behind the campaign.
Ndzingeni Member of Parliament Gcina “Singalwi” Magagula appealed to residents to unite in protecting forests and surrounding communities, reminding them that preventing veld fires safeguards livelihoods, agricultural production and future generations.
Umtfwane’Nkhosi Mavelebaleni Dlamini echoed the call, urging residents to remain alert throughout the fire season and to treat environmental conservation as a collective responsibility rather than an individual obligation.
The event also celebrated Eswatini’s vibrant cultural identity through performances that combined entertainment with education.
Members of Lutsango captivated the audience with traditional songs and dances carrying strong messages about environmental conservation and responsible land management. Sibhaca dancers energized the crowd with colourful performances, while the Ntsantjeni Umkosho cultural group proudly showcased the country’s rich traditions, demonstrating how culture can be used as a powerful platform to educate communities about national challenges.
The most emotional moment of the day came when Deputy Prime Minister Dladla extended a helping hand to elderly residents by donating 40 bags of 5kg rice, ensuring that vulnerable households would have food during the winter season.
The gesture was warmly received by beneficiaries, many of whom expressed appreciation for the government’s continued efforts to support communities while promoting environmental responsibility.
The donation served as a reminder that building resilient communities goes beyond protecting forests—it also means caring for the wellbeing of those most in need.
As the campaign concluded, residents left with practical knowledge on preventing veld fires, renewed appreciation for environmental conservation and a stronger sense of collective responsibility.
Organisers expressed confidence that continued partnerships between government, the private sector, traditional leadership and local communities will play a vital role in reducing veld fires, preserving Eswatini’s natural resources and creating safer, more resilient communities for generations
