The North West is currently facing a relentless onslaught of wildfires that have ravaged its grasslands and communities. These fires, which ignited on 17 September 2023, persisted for over nine (9) days near the Morokweng region in Ganyesa, and swiftly expanded their reach, posing a threat to both people and the environment. In the face of this catastrophe, various firefighting authorities, including the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment’s Working on Fire Programme – implemented by the WOF – Kishugu Joint Venture – rallied to contain the infernos.

As a result, more than 80 000 hectares of vegetation land have been recorded as destroyed, there has been a loss of livestock, and a man, who was part of the Fire Protection Association (FPA), also lost his life trying to save lives and protect the environment.

Working on Fire extends its heartful condolences to the families of those who lost their lives on the fireline.

The Fire and Disaster Management Chief, Herman Bezuidenhout, thanks the Working on Fire Programme for their assistance and efforts during the devastating Morokweng fire at Ganyesa.

The disastrous fires in Ganyesa were declared contained on Wednesday.