Eroded grassy slope

Too frequent veld fires prevent the vegetation recovery from previous ones, resulting in the exposure of bare ground. Without the stabilising effects of plant roots, grass covers or layers of detritus, the dry leaves and branches accumulated under growing plants, the topsoil is left vulnerable to the destructive forces of wind and rain. This prevents vegetation recovery via the germination of seeds embedded in the composted and soft soil surface material. Grazing livestock contributes to the problem. Overgrazing should be prevented.

Bare patches suddenly appear as the loose top layer gets swept away. On steeper slopes most water runs off fast, exacerbating the effect. This process rapidly expands from storm water rivulets increasing the urgent flow over the hard, therefore less penetrable lower layer, now exposed. Continued rainfall results in new dongas, actually fire scars becoming degraded slopes.

These damaged spots have increased for instance in Western Cape fynbos, many other places prone to frequent fire and also here in the Drakensberg. Glaring disfigurement patches are proliferating on South Africa's tall mountains, our cherished areas and natural heritage that should be green, covered with indigenous plants. We can't be proud of these somber reminders of our failings as a species. Nobody else is to blame. Let's clamour for inspired leadership to deal with our generation’s veld fire management shortcomings.