The Inkatha Freedom Party calls on all Municipalities and the Department of COGTA to start now and educate people about fire prevention as we approach the winter season.
“What we are witnessing in Knysna in the Western Cape where wild fires have destroyed houses and large plantations should be a wakeup call to all of us because no one can predict weather changes as we are aware that we are facing a problem of climate change. It is necessary to sensitise communities about this force of nature that will be most relevant during the dry winter season,” said IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Hon Princess Phumzile Buthelezi MPL.
“We are slowly entering into the winter season, which is a dry and cold season and most of the veld and households fires are triggered during this time. We lose many lives, property and livestock largely because of negligence. It is about understanding and respecting the forces of nature, and thinking about future generations. We know that the social impact of natural disasters on the poor is immense because it is the poor who find it most difficult to recover from the ravages of such disasters. Hard-won developments and possessions are easily destroyed and this reverses economic growth and pushes millions of people back into poverty,” continued Hon Princess Buthelezi.
“We see prevention as one of the key factors to minimising losses due to fire. Climate change and the loss of biodiversity must be halted. The loss of forests and wetlands have direct implications for the environment because they weaken nature’s ability to withstand extreme weather patterns. We need to strengthen the protection of ecosystems and be more aware of the benefits that they have for the existence of all life forms. We need to invest more in environmental and climate resilience and this is possible through education and awareness,” concluded Hon Princess Buthelezi.
The IFP calls for fire prevention awareness to be extended in schools and households. This must also be done in collaboration with farmers because they also have expertise in fire prevention.
Issued by:
Hon Princess Phumzile Buthelezi MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
073 216 0918