The Northern Cape leg of the Portfolio Committee on Environment, Forestry and Fisheries’ public hearings on the National Veld and Forest Fire Amendment Bill [B24-2021] concluded yesterday in Hope Town.
The committee took note of the concerns highlighted by numerous supporters of the bill. Some of them stated that their communities require fire and emergency services, as well as training and equipment for firefighting.
The committee also learned that individuals in rural regions are facing water shortages and lack the resources to construct fire breaks to safeguard their homes and cattle from fire.
The committee heard that towns rely on fire departments that are far away, which means that when a fire breaks out, it causes a lot of damage since fire fighters arrive late due to the considerable distance they must drive to reach the burning area.
Residents were in favor of forming fire protection associations, although they requested help with equipment, finance, and training.
They also requested that the Working on Fire program cover the unemployed youth and serve as a permanent employer.
Clause 2 of the Bill proposes to amend section 3 of the Act, which deals with the formation of fire protection societies, which the committee welcomes.
The section allows towns and traditional leaders in communal areas to help organize fire prevention associations if the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment believes one is needed.
Provincial traditional leaders welcome that they will be participating in the Bill, according to the Chairperson of the House of Khoisan, but they need more information on funding and have requested assistance with firefighting training, equipment, and a budget.
They also requested a land intervention since they are being evicted from municipal property.
Provincial leaders told the committee that veld fires are a threat to them, and that they do not feel safe on this land.
Provincial leaders were pleased that the Traditional and Khoisan Leadership Bill acknowledged their role in implementing and enforcing legislation, according to the committee.
“We are happy that the people of Pixley Ka Seme District came out in large numbers today,” said the Committee’s Chairperson, Ms Faith Muthambi.
Our citizens can participate in their democracy by attending public hearings.
Their involvement in bills that directly impact them gives public participation value.”
The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa is distributed by the APO Group on behalf of the Republic of South Africa.