New deaths in S Africa bush fires

Wildfires are common during the dry season in southern Africa (Pic: KNFPA)

At least 40 people have been killed in bush fires across South Africa since the weekend, officials say.

The worst-affected region is KwaZulu-Natal, where 34 have died. One area had "very little left", after 179 houses burnt down, an official said.

Another six people are reported to have died elsewhere in fires, which also left dozens homeless in Cape Town.

Neighbouring Mozambique was also affected where wildfires were reported to be still raging on Tuesday.

State radio in Mozambique said that at least four people died and 20 were injured when a fire gutted a village, South Africa's Mail and Guardian newspaper reports.

Among the dead was a woman and her three grandsons, who were burned in their house.

The fires, common in the region during the dry season, have been fanned by strong winds.

KwaZulu-Natal health department spokesman Sebe Zwane praised the efforts of the Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMRS) over the weekend. "They worked long hours to ensure lives were saved," he said.

Mr Zwane said that 56 people had been admitted to hospital in two municipalities.

The province's Agriculture Union head Sandy La Marque said that in one area alone, the damage was estimated at $37.5m.

On Monday, it was reported that about 50,000 hectares (125,000 acres) of land has been burnt across the country.