Parts of the SA Army Combat Training Centre in Lohatla, Northern Cape, where six soldiers tragically lost their lives last week, now lie in ruins.
This is after the raging fire that started from a nearby mine destroyed sections of the camp where the soldiers were in preparation for the upcoming Exercise Vuk’uhlome, which is taking place this month until November.
The fire was so intense that nothing was spared.
The huge blaze ripped through dozens of tents and destroyed Casspir vehicles.
The soldiers’ possessions such as cellphones, laptops and clothes also did not survive the furnace that was driven by winds travelling at 70km/h.
The charred beds, skeletons of the tents and personal effects are now left behind, while families who lost loved ones are still reeling from the pain.
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise, accompanied by her Deputy Minister Thabang Makwetla and the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya, visited the training centre where they hosted a memorial service for the fallen soldiers.
Maphwanya said while there were fire brigades on site, the ferocity was such that “the fire even jumped fire belts”.
“We had five units of fire brigades. We did everything but unfortunately, the direction of the wind kept on changing,” he told media.
He described the loss as “huge” in terms of equipment and the number of soldiers who passed away.
“We’ve lost camping equipment, beds, a number of combat equipment, as well as weapon systems.”
Efforts, according to the General, are currently being made to replace the gear from existing stock.
Meanwhile, of the 19 members who received treatment, only one is still recovering in hospital in Bloemfontein.
As part of the department’s tribute to those who died, Maphwanya said they continue with the exercise as planned.
“We want to assure South Africans that we’ll continue to be that guardian, and that’s insurance for you,” Maphwanya said.
Meanwhile, the Minister said her department is already looking into all the factors behind the fire.
“There’s nothing conclusive as yet. But it’s the fact that the fire started from the mines and it’s a fact that there were fire extinguishers.”
Modise also announced that the SANDF will also launch an inquiry that will get to the bottom of the matter.
“If anybody has been found responsible or negligent, then we’ll take action.”
She said citizens in a nearby community had already identified the person who started the second fire that ravaged the parts of the base.
“In cases like these, we’d like to bury those we’ve lost in peace,” she said, adding that they will also relook at how SANDF is structured.
The Minister said they will also have to investigate the damming of the water, since the area is a water-scarce area.
“This is one of the bases we need to maintain because this particular area provides prestigious training. It’s what makes soldiers… and yes, the exercise will be concluded.”
Modise has since assured that the department will take care of those who lost their parents in the line of duty.
In addition, the Minister noted that climate change was also at play and that South Africa is one of many countries that experienced wildfires.
South Africa, according to Modise, can expect more fires to rage.
“Islands have disappeared. People have died. We must be resolute, go back to basics and re-plan.
“So, if anyone thinks we’re vulnerable because of this fire and that South Africa is un-defendable, they must think again.”
Instead, Modise said the SANDF will intensify its training in honour of the deceased and that it was safe to continue with training. – SAnews.gov.za
