Govt Leaders Mourn Six Fallen Firefighters in KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Fire

Minister Hlabisa echoed Ntuli’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for continued support for the families and communities affected by this tragic loss.

Government leaders have expressed their heartfelt condolences to the families of six firefighters who died while battling a runaway fire that engulfed a farm in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands on Sunday.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa visited the grieving families this week to convey their condolences on behalf of the national and provincial governments.

Mabongi Shishane, Ntombikhona Nxele, Nonsikelelo Zuma, Vusi Hudula, Nomfundo Nxele, and Khethiwe Ngcobo lost their lives while battling the fire at the farm near Mpophomeni. The firefighters, from Famusa, a contracting company providing firefighting services to Sappi, were combating a fire allegedly started by poachers along the R617 near Boston and Mpophomeni.

The fires destroyed hectares of land in Mpophomeni and surrounding areas, causing millions in damages to farmers.

During the visit, Ntuli, Hlabisa, his deputy Dickson Masemola, KZN MECs, and traditional leaders gathered in Boston, uMngeni Local Municipality, to pay their respects and offer support to the bereaved families. They emphasized the heroism and dedication of the fallen firefighters, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Premier Ntuli expressed his deepest condolences, noting that the bravery and dedication of the late firefighters would never be forgotten. “Their commitment to protecting our communities, even at the cost of their own lives, stands as a testament to their heroism. We are here to support you in this difficult time,” Ntuli said.

Ntuli called for an urgent review of current protocols and resources to prevent such tragedies in the future. "We must ensure that our firefighters and all emergency responders are equipped with the necessary tools and support to carry out their duties safely," he said.

Minister Hlabisa echoed Ntuli’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for continued support for the families and communities affected by this tragic loss. "We stand with the families in their time of grief and pledge our ongoing support. The sacrifice made by these firefighters underscores the dangers faced by our emergency responders every day," Hlabisa said.

Hlabisa also extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and victims of the earlier veld fires that ravaged parts of the King Cetshwayo, Ilembe, uThukela, and Zululand Districts, which claimed seven lives.

The leaders assured the families that both national and provincial governments would provide ongoing assistance to help them through this challenging period. Traditional leaders present during the visit also pledged their support to the affected families and called for community solidarity during this time of mourning.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) stands ready to support the Midlands Emergency Management Services and KZN local authorities during this period of mourning and recovery.