Growing concerns over KZN fires caused by honey harvesting
A fire management group says the number of veld fires - caused by bee honey hunters in KwaZulu-Natal - is deeply concerning.
Working on Fire says it's been receiving complaints from farmers and community members in KZN's northern parts.
The group's Makhosi Dladla says people are hunting for honey light fires in fields to track bee hives.
But most of the time, the flames rage out of control - causing major damage to plantations.
"When you look at areas where there is a plantation - that is where you find such cases, for instance places like Sokhulu,” Dladla said.
Dladla says they are trying to educate communities on how to harvest honey safely.
"The economy will [be affected] because of these unwanted fires. There is a lot of wood being destroyed. For example, when plantations are about to be harvest - everything then vanishes. You can imagine the land owner has to pay for people who are working."
