Cape Town – Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise has reportedly called for the development of proper contingency plans to handle disasters after a veld fire in the Northern Cape resulted in the death of six soldiers.
The fire incident also left three other soldiers with second-degree burns and caused damage to military equipment and vehicles.
The soldiers at the camp were preparing for an annual army excercise when the incident occurred.
According to The Citizen, Modise emphasised the need to intensify training, including fire drills, and implement more preventative measures to handle such incidents effectively.
Despite the recent fire incidents, Modise said that relocating the military training base is unnecessary, as the location is intentionally challenging to train soldiers effectively.
Defence and Military Veterans minister, Thandi Modise says the recent losses by the SANDF is heartbreaking. #SABCNews pic.twitter.com/csPAxmfY4C
— Ulrich Hendriks (@UlrichHendriks) October 12, 2023
“Are we unnecessarily putting the soldiers at risk because we have fires that are unprecedented? I don’t think we are. Even before the fires, soldiers are sent here deliberately because this is a tough military training site. If the soldiers run away then what about the communities in this area? Should we uproot the communities too?,” the report quoted Modise as saying.
She also discussed the importance of water resources and potential use of greywater to save resources.
The minister attributed the rapid spread of the fire to climate change and acknowledged the effects of budget cuts on the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), which may limit training and maintenance.
Defence minister Thandi Modise, flanked by her deputy Thabang Makwetla, speaks to military officials upon arrival at Shishen airport in Northern Cape. The minister will visit Lohatla military base following the deaths of six soldiers. @TimesLIVE pic.twitter.com/ucv7v5bWk5
— Khanyisile (@Khanyi_Seele) October 12, 2023
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
