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A tribute to our local heroes

4 October 2023 · Platinum Bushvelder

A tribute to our local heroes

Thabazimbi - Saturday 16 September 2023 turned into a nightmarish ordeal when flames, ignited by an act of arson at approximately 11:00, swept through Holfontein, soon reaching the quiet landscape of Maroelasfontein. In this dire moment, as fear and flames intertwined, a band of brave souls rose to the challenge.  

Local farmers, together with responders from Thabazimbi Fire and Rescue (TFR), Swartklip Mine, Numzaan, Anglo American Platinum’s Amandelbult Complex, ARM Andalusite Mine, and Northam Working on Fire (WoF), alongside the swift response from WildMed Emergency Services, waged a fierce battle against the blaze. 

For four harrowing days and nights, these brave individuals fought relentlessly against the fiery invader. 

Chris Liebenberg of the Northam Boere Vereniging and chairperson of the Thabazimbi Fire Association, said: “The fire burnt down approximately 18,500 hectares, causing damages in the millions. Two houses burnt down, and a lodge was damaged. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries or deaths”. 


The flames, though merciless, were met with a force of resilience and bravery. Each firefighter, every volunteer, stood as a testament to the strength that courses through the veins of our community.

Aside from this tragic account, Thabazimbi and its surrounds has been inundated by fires over the past several weeks. A special thanks is owed to the following heroes who continue to keep us safe against all odds: 

  • TFR 
  • Dinare Security
  • Swartklip Mine fire team 
  • Numzaan 
  • Anglo American Platinum’s Amandelbult Complex fire rescue team
  • ARM Andalusite Mine fire team 
  • Northam Platinum fire team
  • Northam WoF 
  • WildMed Emergency Services 
  • The Thabazimbi Communty Policing Forum (CPF) 
  • Waterberg District Municipality 
  • Matlabas PROTO team
  • Holfontein farmers 
  • Maroelasfontein farmers 
  • Matlabas farmers
  • Makoppa farmers 
  • Sentrum farmers 
  • Koedoeskop farmers
  • Dwaalboom farmers 

In the quiet moments when the day’s work is done and the city slumbers, their heroism, often unsung, reverberates in every corner of our lives. Every sunrise that we witness, every breath of safety we inhale, and every sanctuary of home that we cherish, stands as a testament to their unwavering bravery.