Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

Media statements

AfriForum warns of high fire danger this weekend in north of country

ByAfriForum 22/08/202522/08/2025

Soundbite: Tarien Cooks (Afrikaans)

AfriForum is warning communities in the north of the country to exercise extreme vigilance due to the high temperatures expected this weekend. The fire danger index for the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West is currently red, meaning that conditions are particularly favourable for the onset and rapid spread of wildfires. Hot, dry and windy conditions can easily lead to wildfires that not only cause extensive damage but can also endanger lives.

“AfriForum urges everyone to be responsible and prepared and to report wildfires to their nearest fire protection association and fire service. Wildfires can become life-threatening within minutes and the damage is often irreparable. Cooperation from communities is essential to limit the danger,” says Tarien Cooks, Disaster Management Specialist at AfriForum.

AfriForum calls on communities and landowners to act responsibly and provides the following guidelines:

Do not light open fires: Fires may only be made in designated areas such as braai areas.
Limit welding and grinding work in open fields: Where it is essential, sufficient fire extinguishing equipment must be available on site. Sparks from machinery can lead to wildfires.
Be fire-ready: Landowners must ensure that their personnel and firefighting equipment are ready to respond quickly. A wildfire that is extinguished early prevents major damage. Additional resources can be placed on standby.
Water tanks: Ensure that water tanks are kept full for water refilling. If an area is prone to power outages, preparations must be made to keep the water tanks full.
Protect houses and structures: Clean and trim back vegetation around houses, especially where there are thatched roofs. Have a hose or spray equipment ready to water thatched roofs if a wildfire breaks out in the area.

For more tips, visit www.afriforum.co.za/en/safety/disaster-management/.