LOHATLA – Following a devastating wildfire at the Army Combat Training Centre in Lohatla, Northern Cape, the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans conducted an oversight visit to assess the conditions and extend their support to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the bereaved families. The fire, which occurred during a training exercise, claimed the lives of six SANDF staff members.
According to Parliament of South Africa, the journalist reporting on November 1, 2023, the committee was received by Lieutenant General Michael Ramantswana, SANDF Chief of Staff, and Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, Chief of the Army. The Generals expressed their gratitude to the committee for their visit, acknowledging its role in boosting the morale of the troops during this challenging period. Despite the tragic incident, the SANDF affirmed their commitment to continue with training exercises akin to Exercise Vukuhlome, the training exercise that was underway during the fire.
The committee’s visit encompassed a briefing meeting and a subsequent tour of the training facilities. The members were briefed on the objectives of the training exercise, the deployment of various brigades within the training centre, the sequence of events leading up to the tragic deaths, the treatment of the injured, the lost equipment, and the interventions implemented following the incident.
Following the briefing, the committee proceeded to the specific training area affected by the fire. The commanding officers present during the incident provided a detailed account of the day’s events, explaining how the fire was detected, the measures taken to combat the blaze, and the unfortunate circumstances that led to the loss of six lives.
The fire, the committee learned, originated outside the training area, fueled by a westerly wind blowing at a speed of 73 kilometers per hour. The continuously shifting wind direction made firefighting efforts futile. The committee observed that the severe weather conditions experienced on that day could be attributed to global warming. The region, being naturally arid, is becoming increasingly susceptible to wildfires.
Concerns were raised regarding the source of the fire, which is reported to have emanated from an adjacent mine. The committee inquired if the SANDF plans to file a legal claim against the mine to recoup the losses incurred. The SANDF responded, stating that a board of inquiry is currently investigating the matter to determine the viability of such a legal course. Significant equipment losses were reported by the South African Army, including 12 Casspirs, 14 logistical vehicles, and various camping equipment.
The SANDF assured the committee that it maintains fire breaks annually, with recent inspections and necessary repairs conducted in anticipation of Exercise Vukuhlome. However, it was agreed that there is a need to widen the fire breaks beyond their current prescribed width due to the intensity and velocity of the fire experienced.
Emphasizing the importance of fostering good relations between the military and civilian communities, especially in disaster situations, the committee lauded the army’s proposed interventions for future fire mitigation. These interventions include having fire brigades on standby during training exercises and strengthening collaborations with other stakeholders and the local community.
Concluding their visit, the committee commended the SANDF for their valiant efforts in battling the blaze and ensuring the safety of the troops.