Gauteng Health MEC Faith Mazibuko warns residents about burn risks during winter

Faith Mazibuko has called on Gauteng residents to exercise greater caution during the winter season as burn-related injuries continue to rise due to the unsafe use of heating devices.

With temperatures dropping across the province, many households are relying on heaters, paraffin stoves, candles, open fires, hot water and electrical appliances to stay warm. However, the Gauteng Department of Health warned that unsafe use of these heating sources places families at serious risk, especially children and older persons.

The department also raised concerns about the use of braziers, commonly known as imbawula, warning that they should never be used in poorly ventilated rooms or left unattended because of the danger of burn injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning and possible fatalities.

The awareness drive forms part of National Burns Awareness Week, observed from 05 to 09 May 2026, aimed at educating communities on burn prevention and encouraging safer practices at home, in workplaces and public spaces.

According to the department, one of the province’s busiest specialised burns units recorded 743 paediatric burn admissions during 2024 and 2025, with about 80% linked to hot water burns, flame burns and electrical injuries. Between January and April 2026, the same facility recorded 116 paediatric burn admissions.

Mazibuko urged parents and caregivers to keep children away from open flames, heaters, paraffin stoves, hot liquids and cooking areas.

“We are urging parents and caregivers to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of burns by keeping children away from open flames, heaters, paraffin stoves, hot liquids and cooking areas,” she said.

Residents were also advised to ensure that electrical appliances, gas equipment and heating devices are properly maintained and safely used. Candles, fires and cooking should never be left unattended.

The department further encouraged the public to familiarise themselves with basic burn first aid procedures. In the event of a burn injury, the affected area should immediately be cooled under clean running water for 20 minutes, while serious burns require urgent medical attention.

The department cautioned against applying ice, toothpaste, oil, butter or traditional remedies to burns, warning that these may worsen injuries and increase the risk of infection. Residents were also advised not to burst blisters or remove clothing stuck to burnt skin, as this could cause further tissue damage and complications.