By Sikhulile Dlamini
MBABANE – Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane has called on all Emaswati to unite in the fight against the growing threat of wildfires across the nation.
She said this yesterday (Thursday, August 15, 2024) during a media briefing held at Nhlangano Phumula Guest House, where she was representing Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla.
The minister highlighted that since the winter season started, a total of 866 fire incidences were reported and the number was increasing daily. “The long-term effect may include retrenchments, resulting to families suffering from hunger and children dropping out of school. This will perpetuate poverty across the country,” she said.
She further urged the nation to be proactive in reporting fire incidents, identifying perpetrators, and working together to stop the spread of these fires. She stated that individuals must recognize that fires are preventable and are often human-induced.
“By removing the flame, we eliminate the incident. In this dry period of high winds and tall grasses, the risk of fire is heightened, and it is imperative that we refrain from starting fires altogether,” Mkhonta-Simelane said.
According to a report from the Shiselweni Forest Company (SFC), wild fires have destroyed over 270 hectares of the commercial forests over the past two weeks. These fires have also destroyed homes, cars and businesses countrywide.
