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

Be vigilant with heaters and electrical appliances during cold weather

ByAfriForum 21/05/202521/05/2025

Soundbite: Tarien Cooks (English)

Soundbite: Tarien Cooks (Afrikaans)

AfriForum is calling on communities to be responsible and careful when using heaters and other appliances to keep homes warm. A big part of the country is currently experiencing cold weather conditions, which are increasing the chances of fire risks in households.

“We all understand the need to stay warm, but it is important that people are aware of the dangers associated with the use of especially older or faulty heaters, electric blankets and open fires in enclosed spaces. It is also important to inform your children about the dangers of heaters and other heating appliances. In the blink of an eye, negligence can lead to devastating house fires, loss of life or even carbon monoxide poisoning,” says Tarien Cooks, Disaster Management Specialist at AfriForum.

According to AfriForum, it is essential to be prepared should a fire break out in your home. Every homeowner should have at least one smoke detector and a portable fire extinguisher in the house. Everyone in the house should know where and how to turn off the main power and gas supply and the whole family should regularly practice the escape routes in the house.

AfriForum reminds the community of a few essential safety steps:

Do not leave heaters that are on, unattended.
Keep flammable materials such as curtains, blankets and paper at least one metre away from any heat source.
Only use electrical equipment approved by the South African Bureau of Standards.
Do not overload the plugs of an extension cord.
Do not leave children and pets unattended near heaters or open fires.
Ensure adequate ventilation if gas heating is used.

AfriForum has compiled a guide with tips on how to act before, during and after a house fire.

Home Fires Download