BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE– Montigny Investments has once again called on local communities and the public to remain vigilant in preventing forest fires, despite the country being in the peak of the rainy season.
The company, which has suffered millions of Emalangeni in losses due to wildfires, stressed that “a single spark can destroy twenty years of growth in twenty minutes.” Residents are urged to be the eyes of the forest, if they see smoke, they must report it immediately and not wait for someone else to act.
In a statement issued on its social media pages on February 10, 2026, the company emphasised that although this is not the peak wildfire season, fire prevention remains everyone’s responsibility. Montigny further warned that it takes 20 years to grow a forest, but only 20 seconds to burn it down, encouraging communities to “be the guardian of your future.”
February is traditionally one of Eswatini’s wettest months, with high humidity and frequent rainfall that generally reduces the risk of widespread fires. However, isolated incidents may still occur due to lightning strikes during thunderstorms, as well as occasional hot and windy conditions.
Most wildfires in Eswatini are caused by human activities, including arson and deliberate burning, unattended cooking or warming fires, carelessly discarded cigarette butts, uncontrolled field burning without proper firebreaks, sparks from machinery and vehicles, and illegal hunting practices involving fire. Natural causes such as lightning can also ignite vegetation, particularly when dry and windy conditions prevail.
During the dry winter period, especially between June and October, cured vegetation and strong winds increase the likelihood of rapid fire spread, particularly in the Highveld and Middleveld regions.
How Communities Can Prevent Fires
Montigny Investments encourages residents and land users to take simple but critical steps to prevent devastating fires:
- Never leave open fires unattended
- Avoid burning waste or fields during windy conditions
- Properly extinguish cigarettes and matches
- Maintain and respect firebreaks
- Report smoke or suspicious activities immediately
- Educate children and workers about fire dangers
- Cooperate with local fire awareness campaigns
The company continues to invest in intensive fire awareness and prevention programmes, especially ahead of the dry season. A “military-style” fire management approach introduced in 2015 previously reduced annual fire damage dramatically, showing that coordinated action works.
A Pillar of the Economy
Montigny Investments remains one of Eswatini’s largest private sector contributors. The 100% Swazi-owned integrated timber company manages over 55 000 hectares of timber plantations, employs more than 5 000 people, and generates turnover exceeding E1.7 billion annually.
Its operations including sawmills and timber processing plants support exports across Southern Africa and significantly contribute to national revenue, employment, and rural livelihoods.
Forestry, alongside agriculture and mining, plays an important role in Eswatini’s GDP and economic stability. Wildfires therefore not only destroy trees, but also threaten jobs, exports, and community development.
As climate patterns become more unpredictable, fire behaviour can shift beyond traditional seasons. This makes year-round preparedness essential.
Even though Eswatini is not currently in its peak wildfire period, Montigny’s message is clear: prevention starts now. Protecting forests means protecting livelihoods, investment, and the country’s natural heritage for generations to come.
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(Courtesy Pic)
