The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of three workers who were fighting a fire in a plantation near Mpophomeni,
Boston, under the uMngeni local municipality. According to reports received by the department, these brave individuals lost their lives while battling the blaze. Additionally, five of their colleagues sustained critical injuries and have been transported to the hospital for treatment.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of these courageous workers who were fighting to protect others from harm,” said MEC Rev. Buthelezi. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this tragic event and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”
The incident occurred this morning in an area characterized by difficult terrain, complicating the efforts of the fire and emergency services that were deployed to the scene.
This tragedy brings the total number of lives lost due to runaway fires in the province to ten. In response to a call for help from communities in Ulundi and surrounding areas the MEC held a community meeting where he distributed relief and firefighting equipment to people who had been affected by the wildfires.
He assured affected farmers that the Provincial Government will do everything possible to ensure that all those people who have no means to help themselves during this difficult time are provided with the necessary assistance.
MEC Rev. Buthelezi has called for the parts of the province affected by the fires to be declared disaster areas, emphasising the urgent need for additional support and resources to manage the crisis and aid recovery efforts.
Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs