On Saturday, 26 July 2024, an unplanned fire broke out at the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, in Heidelberg, Gauteng. Over the next four days, the fire destroyed more than 80% of the reserve. There are sections of the reserve still burning and emergency fire services remain on site to maintain control of the blaze.
On Tuesday, 30 July 2024, NSPCA dispatched members of their Disaster Response Team to inspect the site for animals that may have been injured or killed by the fire. Upon arrival, the team was met by resistance, with Dr Claire Ntshane from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), refusing them entry to the public reserve. Dr Ntshane also previously attempted to deny access to the Heidelberg SPCA, citing that the fire is a “natural disaster” and should be left to burn. She stated that if animals succumb to the fire, it is nature’s way.
Following this refusal, the NSPCA obtained a warrant to enter the reserve but was again obstructed in exercising our legal mandate, this time by a private security company contracted by GDARD. The company claimed that the presence of the NSPCA Inspectors would hinder their ability to perform their duties and threatened the Inspectors with arrest. Despite these obstacles, the NSPCA managed to gain entry and is currently on-site to monitor the situation. Although the terrain is difficult to navigate, the team is doing their best to locate any animals in distress. As of now, no injured or suffering animals have been found. The team observed a herd of antelope during their inspection on 30 July 2024 that did not appear to have been injured in the fire.
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve has been plagued by unplanned and uncontrollable fires for several years. In 2016, a runaway fire resulted in the loss of seven lives. In 2021, uncontrolled fires devastated almost 30% of the Reserve. In August 2023, there was another “out of control” fire. It has been highlighted that unplanned fires pose one of the greatest threats to the conservation of the reserve.
The NSPCA is perplexed by GDARD’s seemingly callous attitude, especially regarding animal welfare. The NSPCA questions whether GDARD maintained adequate firebreaks, which could have prevented this wildlife disaster.
GDARD is an institution tasked with conserving Gauteng’s biodiversity, yet seemingly failing to protect one of the province’s last remaining natural grasslands and its diverse wildlife. The NSPCA would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the Heidelberg SPCA for their relentless efforts in searching for animals in distress.
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