FSA Mobilizes Aid Following Devastating veldfires

In the wake of a series of seven catastrophic wildfires that ravaged the Vrede, Memel, and Verkykerskop areas from 26 to 29 September, Free State Agriculture’s ground-level structures stepped in to coordinate vital fire relief efforts. Mr. Wikus van der Merwe, Secretary and head fire assistant coordinator of the Memel farmers association, confirmed that substantial aid is being mobilized for affected farmers.

The Free State Agriculture Disaster Fund has already contributed R100,000 to the Memel Farmers’ Association. Additionally, two loads of roughage are set to be delivered to support local farmers who have lost everything in the fires. The Memel Farmers’ Association will oversee the distribution of this essential aid among its members.

Tragically, the fires claimed the life of Mrs. Le Roux (80), and her husband, Mr. Le Roux, is currently hospitalized with burns. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Le Roux family during this difficult time, as well as to all farmers who have suffered devastating losses, including buildings, livestock, vehicles, and essential infrastructure. Preliminary reports indicate that some farmers lost as many as 500 sheep and 300 cattle.

While processed satellite images detailing the exact area and extent of burned farmland will not be available for another week, the urgency of the situation remains palpable. Van der Merwe expressed concern about the deployment of “Working on Fire” teams, noting that it was initially unclear whether they had been dispatched. However, it was later confirmed by the Fire Officer of the North East Free State Fire Fighting Association that a withdrawal of Kusugu vehicles from the WoF teams prevented the Memel team from being deployed promptly. “It wasn’t until the next day that farmers came to pick up the teams to help with mop-up work,” Van der Merwe said.

Both Free State Agriculture and the fire officer have raised alarms about a shortage of firefighting vehicles to higher authorities. The old WoF vehicles remain at local municipalities and are yet to be redeployed. “Even though it has rained in some areas of the Free State, a long fire season still looms ahead, and the mismanagement of state equipment will not be tolerated,” stated Kempen Nel, Chairman of the FSA Natural Resources Committee.

Local Agricultural Associations are acting as disaster aid coordinators, with the following contact persons available for assistance:

-Memel: Wicus van der Merwe – 083 680 4686 / Tanya Als – 071 686 8753

– Vrede: Romona – 072 972 5025

Martinus Willemse, Chairman of the Memel Agricultural Association, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response to calls for assistance and donations that have flooded in to support the area.

To aid in future disaster responses, donations to the Free State Agriculture Disaster Fund can be made through their website: https://vrystaatlandbou.co.za/donate.