Fifty people were injured when wind blew down a marquee in which a function was being held in Eshowe on Friday, the Kwazulu-Natal department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs said.

The injured were attending the launch of an animal feed project.

MEC Mtholephi Mthimkhulu said in a statement that many people were injured by the poles of the tent as it blew away — and during the resultant scurrying of people.

Many people were treated for shock at the scene, while others were treated for minor injuries.

Eight people — who were more seriously injured — were taken to hospital in government cars.

The department held the event to launch an animal feed programme in response to runaway fires that destroyed grazing fields in the northern part of the province.

"We are proud of the emergency evacuation plan we had put in place prior to the event," Mthimkhulu said.

"Working with members of the police services, we managed to save thousands of people from possible injuries."

The MEC was in contact with all the injured people who continued to receive medical attention and with their families.

Sapa