Reserve’s vital Long Hill fundraiser postponed
Wildlife left with little to no grazing after fires
Due to the devastating veld fires which ravaged vast swathes of land and farms surrounding Komani recently, the annual Long Hill Challenge has been postponed.
Sadly, most of the Lawrence de Lange Game Reserve was destroyed by the fires, with wildlife within the area, including rhinos and giraffes, left with little to no grazing.
The Lawrence de Lange Honorary Rangers’ Association committee said in a statement that the fires began sporadically in the region in late August and spread out of control on September 14, fuelled by strong winds.
“In response to this situation, the Honorary Rangers’ Association, along with the game reserve management and personnel, the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality fire division, and technical divisions, Queenstown Rapid Response Unit, farmers from the district, the Fire Protection Association, and concerned members of the public, all worked determinedly and tirelessly for over 72 hours to manage and control the spread of the fire in challenging conditions,” the association said.
“Many of our dedicated rangers suspended their normal occupation duties to assist.
“The extent of the damage is substantial: the fire caused significant damage to the reserve’s infrastructure.
“The reserve fence line sustained damage at several locations.”
About 70% of the reserve had been destroyed by the fires, the association said.
“This extensive loss of grazing and
vegetation will result in food shortages for the resident game species in the reserve.
“In this light, it is with heavy hearts that we must announce the postponement of our annual Long Hill Challenge, which historically serves as the Honorary Rangers’ most significant fundraising event.”
The association relies fully on funds generated through such initiatives to support the maintenance, conservation and preservation of the spectacular reserve.
“We are very grateful for the dedication of all those who assisted in fighting these fires.
“As always, the association remains committed to conserving Komani’s gem of a reserve to the best of our ability.
“We remain cognisant of the fact
that the remaining grazing is susceptible to further fires given the hot windy conditions that have been prevalent since late August.
“The association’s plea with communities in and around Komani is to be very cautious when working with fires,” read the statement.
The assocation said it was important to raise awareness among the youth about the dangers of fires as well as preventing fires from spreading.
“We request that residents living adjacent to the reserve boundary fences clear their fences as certain properties face significant fire risks due to the presence of building rubble and garden materials such as grass and leaves, right against the boundary fence.
“If you are willing to assist the
association during these challenging times, please contact the reserve manager, Kevin Lieberum, at 073-8553251.
“Your support will surely aid in the recovery of the reserve.
“Funds and materials are needed to repair the damaged game fence which is very important to maintain the reserve’s integrity.
“Additionally, contributions of much needed feed and mineral licks for our wildlife, including rhinos and giraffes, and materials to repair damaged water infrastructure would be invaluable.”
In a Queens College Boys High online post, the school said: “Many who live in the Bongolo basin, the Lawrence de Lange Game Reserve and the surrounds, as well as in the
Sterkstroom and Bailey districts have lost either all or much of their farmlands due to these fires, which at times, fanned by strong winds, were uncontrollable.
“We at Queen’s College would like each and every affected person to know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Encouraging those who have lost much due to the fires, the school said: “We Eastern Capers are a strong bunch, even more resilient than the relentless wind and flames that destroyed lands and threatened the safety of livestock and buildings.
“We are thankful for the cooler weather and the bit of rain that has come with it.
“We are confident that more rain will fall in the days to come.”