Government leaders have expressed their heartfelt condolences to the families of six firefighters who died while battling a runaway fire which engulfed a farm in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands on Sunday.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, visited the grieving families this week to convey their condolences on behalf of the national and provincial governments.
Mabongi Shishane, Ntombikhona Nxele, Nonsikelelo Zuma, Vusi Hudula, Nomfundo Nxele, and Khethiwe Ngcobo, lost their lives while battling a runaway fire at the farm near Mpophomeni.
The firefighters from Famusa, a contracting company that provides Sappi with firefighting services, lost their lives while battling a runaway fire, allegedly started by poachers, along the R617 near Boston and Mpophomeni.
The fires which destroyed hectares of land in Mpophomeni and surrounding areas also caused millions of damages to the farmers.
During the visit, Ntuli, Hlabisa and his deputy Dickson Masemola, KZN MECs, and traditional leaders, amongst others, gathered in Boston, uMngeni Local Municipality to pay their respects and offer support to the bereaved families.
The leaders emphasised the heroism and dedication of the fallen firefighters, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Ntuli expressed his deepest condolences, noting that the bravery and dedication of the late firefighters, will never be forgotten.
“Their commitment to protecting our communities, even at the cost of their own lives, stands as a testament to their heroism. We are here to support you in this difficult time,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli also called for an urgent review of current protocols and resources to prevent such tragedies in the future.
"We must ensure that our firefighters and all emergency responders are equipped with the necessary tools and support to carry out their duties safely," Ntuli said.
Hlabisa echoed Ntuli’s sentiments, emphasising the need for continued support for the families and communities affected by this tragic loss.
"We stand with the families in their time of grief and pledge our ongoing support. The sacrifice made by these firefighters underscores the dangers faced by our emergency responders every day," Hlabisa said.
The Minister also extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and victims of the earlier veld fires that ravaged parts of the King Cetshwayo, Ilembe, uThukela, and Zululand Districts, which claimed seven lives.
The leaders also assured the families that both national and provincial governments would provide ongoing assistance to help them through this challenging period.
The traditional leaders present during the visit also pledged their support to the affected families and called for community solidarity during this time of mourning.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), as a key player in the administration and implementation of fire services legislation and related duties, stands ready to support the Midlands Emergency Management Services and KZN local authorities during this period of mourning and recovery. – SAnews.gov.za
