Agri SA chief executive officer, Christo van der Rheede said that veld fires can cause extensive damage that destroys vegetation, harms animals, and threatens communities and food security. In response to the destruction of vegetation, emergency response efforts are needed to assist farmers with feed. However, he said the impact of veld fires can be felt long after the fire has been extinguished. Van der Rheede said that the damage to soil health, the disruption of ecosystems, and the alteration of natural fire patterns can also have long-lasting consequences.

During July, above normal rainfall was received over some central and north-eastern parts of the country. The remainder of the country received below-normal rainfall. Above normal rainfall was scattered across the country in August, especially in the coastal provinces. The remainder of the country received below-normal rainfall.