COGTA CHAIRPERSON EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES TO VICTIMS OF VELD FIRES IN KWAZULU-NATAL

Media Statement

For immediate release

Date: 15 July 2024

COGTA CHAIRPERSON EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES TO VICTIMS OF VELD FIRES IN KWAZULU-NATAL

Newly elected chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature COGTA Portfolio Committee, Honourable Marlaine Nair, on behalf of the committee, wishes to express sincere condolences to all victims of the recent veld fires that are ravaging some parts of the province.

“Our condolences go out to the families, friends and colleagues of those fire fighters who tragically lost their lives whilst fighting the runaway veld fires in the Boston area, near Mpophomeni in the Midlands. These were selfless fire fighters who bravely risked their lives to try and contain a fire that would have destroyed neighbouring homes”.

“We also extend our sincere condolences to the families in Eshowe under King Cetshwayo District, who lost their family members from these runaway veld fires that recently hit Umlalazi Municipality especially the rural areas. Also, the loss of life in Kenville informal settlement in Ethekwini as a result of fire that gutted down many informal houses in the area”.

“During this sad time, we pray for comfort and strength to their loved ones. We also keep in our thoughts and prayers those fire fighters that are in critical condition, fighting for their lives. Sincere condolences also go out to all those who have lost family and friends in the devastating fires that have raged across Kwa-Zulu Natal” the chairperson concluded.

As part of COGTA committee’s oversight role, the committee will in the days ahead convene a meeting with the COGTA Department to get a full report on what exactly went wrong and ascertain whether these deaths may have been prevented. It is imperative that every possible measure must be put in place to prevent the loss of life in the future.

Ends

Issued by:

CoGTA Committee Chairperson – Hon. Marlaine Nair

Cell:    072 692 8963