Cape Winelands mayor says recent fires deeply impacted communities

Cape Winelands District Mayor Elna von Schlicht said that the recent fires across the region have left a deep impact on communities.'

This past week's fire near Franschhoek has burned roughly 17,000 hectares of land and destroyed two properties.

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The Winelands district also experienced multiple large blazes in 2025.

Von Schlicht said that these fires bring trauma to local residents.

She said the municipality remains committed to supporting affected residents.
 
"The people living in this district are mostly rural people. It's people living on farms, so they have small houses, they have little belongings and when you see these six metre and higher flames approaching your house, it is a devastating experience. We were fortunate as the Cape Winelands to save most of structures."