MEC Toto Makume
By Mpho Moloi
In the wake of the fire incident at the Bethlehem Air Show on September 7, 2024, the Free State MEC for Finance, Economic Development, and Tourism, Ketso Makume, has issued an appeal urging both domestic and international tourists to continue exploring the Free State. The fire, which caused significant damage by destroying 19 vehicles at the event, raised concerns about event safety and tourism in the region. However, Makume reassured visitors that this unfortunate incident should not deter their plans to visit the province.
The fire occurred in the spectator parking area at Grobbles-Foley, a location opposite the Bethlehem Airfield. This was during the much-anticipated air show, which returned after a four-year hiatus and aimed to boost local tourism, promote social cohesion, and introduce aviation careers to students. While emergency services responded swiftly, the fire had already ravaged several vehicles, with one person sustaining minor injuries while attempting to move his car. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.
Fire Response and Investigation
Despite the quick response from firefighters and the South African Police Service (SAPS), investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest that the fire might have been sparked by an unsupervised “braai” (barbecue) that spread due to strong winds, rapidly engulfing the nearby vehicles. According to the Democratic Alliance (DA), Dihlabeng Local Municipality failed to conduct a comprehensive pre-event risk assessment and did not enforce adequate vehicle control measures. This lapse, coupled with the lack of a robust fire prevention strategy, allowed the fire to spread unchecked .
The DA also criticized the municipality for not having the necessary firefighting equipment and protocols in place, calling for accountability and an urgent review of safety measures. They stressed the need for enhanced event insurance and the importance of marshals who are trained to manage such emergencies in future events. Meanwhile, Dihlabeng Municipality has established a committee comprising senior officials and event organizers to gather facts, in collaboration with SAPS, and will release a full report once the investigation is complete.
Tourism Remains Open for Business
In his statement, MEC Makume acknowledged the incident but urged that it should not create undue panic or fear among tourists. “As the Department mandated to drive economic and tourism initiatives in the province, we take this incident seriously,” Makume said. He expressed the department’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of the Free State and praised the efforts of the emergency services and local municipality for their swift response.
Makume emphasized that the Free State, known for its open skies and warm hospitality, remains a top destination for tourists. He reassured visitors that they would continue to experience the best of what the province has to offer, despite the incident. The Free State’s tourism sector is a crucial pillar of the local economy, and with many households relying on tourism for their livelihoods, the MEC stressed the importance of maintaining visitor confidence.
Moving Forward: Lessons and Precautions
The Bethlehem Air Show, despite the fire incident, remains a highlight of the Free State’s event calendar. Drawing thousands of spectators annually, the show plays a vital role in promoting tourism and generating economic activity in the region. Moving forward, lessons from this year’s event will guide future safety protocols to prevent similar incidents.
The DA has called for stricter regulations, particularly around fire prevention measures, during events of this scale. The party highlighted the need for clear communication and enforcement of no-fire zones, especially during veld fire season when the risks are elevated. They also urged municipalities across the Free State to improve their firefighting capacity and ensure that comprehensive risk management plans are in place for future public events.
Supporting the Tourism Sector Post-Incident
MEC Makume concluded his statement by calling on event organizers across the province to adhere to stricter safety protocols to prevent any recurrence of such incidents. He reassured visitors that the Free State remains a vibrant and welcoming destination, urging tourists to continue exploring the province’s rich cultural and natural offerings. Makume’s call to action was clear: while the fire incident was regrettable, it should not deter tourism at a time when the industry is still recovering from the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MEC underscored the department’s commitment to bolstering tourism through various initiatives, including promoting outdoor adventure activities and local attractions. He appealed to tourists to support the Free State by visiting its many destinations, from the scenic landscapes of Clarens to the historical sites of Bloemfontein
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