Western Cape fires destroy farmland and livelihoods

The ongoing wildfires in the Western Cape have caused havoc and major disruptions in the agricultural sector and the livelihoods of many residents. While the assessments are still ongoing, financial and arable land losses are expected to skyrocket.

Overstrand Municipality, one of the major affected areas, has called on residents and farmers to vacate their areas where necessary. Municipal manager Dean O’Neill stated that the costs of fires are estimated between R6 and R7 million since 4 January 2026.

“At present, it is estimated that a total of more than 33 000 hectares have burned in Pearly Beach, with just over 4 000 hectares burned in the Stanford fire.

“At the fire in Uilkraalsmond, the perimeter remains hot in the dense alien vegetation, and the fire lines continue to burn and creep,” he said.

Land lost to fires

O’Neill said farmers in the Pearly Beach and Stanford areas have suffered significant losses following the recent fires, with the situation continuing to escalate as more damage is assessed daily.

Firefighter battling with fire in the Overstrand municipality area during the recent fires. Photo: Overstrand Municipality

“Vast stretches of veld have burned away completely, leaving no grazing for livestock and game. Farmers with cattle, sheep, and game are now facing an urgent challenge: keeping their animals fed and watered in an environment where natural resources have been destroyed.

“In many cases, essential infrastructure such as water pipes, troughs, and containers has melted in the fires, further compounding the crisis. At this stage, farmers are especially in need of lucerne, preferably small or round bales,” he said.

Overstrand executive mayor, Ald Archie Klaas, said every gesture of support, no matter how small, helps farmers protect their animals and begin the long road to recovery.

Winelands fires ravaged vegetation

Earlier today, the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services reported that the fire in the Wemmershoek area near Franschhoek was still active.

“The Winelands Fire Protection Association deployed aerial resources and, with assistance from Stellenbosch Municipality, focused on structure protection at Mont Rochelle, Chamonix Wine Estate, and surrounding farms,” the municipality stated.

Meanwhile, Drakenstein Municipality reported that the Du Toitskloof fire is also under control. Over the weekend, the fire crossed the mountain on the Paarl side in two spots, but quick action helped manage the spread.

Dawn Noemdoe, founder of HoneyatDawn, said while her bees were safe, she is worried about the fires that have been going on for over a week, and they were a threat to vegetation.

“The first worry is the bees themselves. If they are located in areas where the is fire, the risks of losing the colonies are there. The biggest risk is losing the actual infrastructure during this time of fires.

“The second area of concern is vegetation; wherever the fire is burning, we lose vegetation, which will mean there will be no natural resources that bees can rely on,” she said.

Counting the cost

Agri Western Cape and the olive industry told Food For Mzansi that they were still assessing which of their members were affected, as mopping up in some areas was starting, while in some places, the fires are still active.

South Africa Wine also stated that they have requested information from their colleagues working in the field and are awaiting feedback.

Meanwhile, Bergrivier Municipality’s municipal manager, adv. Hanlie Linde commended the district municipality and all responding agencies for their proactive approach and effective firefighting strategies.

“On behalf of Bergrivier Municipality, the broader Piketberg, Wittewater and Goedverwacht communities, as well as the private and agricultural sectors, I would like to thank all firefighters for their dedication and tireless efforts. This fire could have caused significantly more damage if it were not for your swift and decisive response,” Linde said.