Join the GRFPA AGM on 15 February UNITING AGAINST WILDFIRES

Rustenburg – The GRFPA executive board would like to invite all rural property owners to our annual general meeting (AGM) on Saturday 15 February 2025 at Brauhaus Africa on the R24.

With the new year comes a new fire season. Reflecting back on the disastrous fires our community suffered during the 2024 season, and needing all property owners to prepare and know how to be fire ready and the laws surrounding wildfires, we urge you to join us at the AGM and become members.
Three distinct fires that had a profound impact on landowners were the Magalies Mountain fire, the Kgaswane fire and the Brauhaus fire, where close to 20,000 ha were lost. Houses, outbuildings, vehicles and equipment, orchards, animals and grazing were lost. Fodder for the animals was near impossible to find and came at astronomical expenses. Those who lost structures and were not insured for fire damage found it impossible to rebuild. Human lives were put at risk and several people suffered burn injuries resulting in hospitalisation and medical care.

These are incidents that we would rather forget, but unfortunately, they happened and could happen again. As a community we need to stand together and become pro-active.

Looking at wildfires around the globe, it is noticeable how much more destructive and uncontrollable these fires have become. 

As custodians of the land, it is our duty to protect and preserve.
 
Petra Rough
GRFPA chairperson