Veld fires in Free State force farmers to close shop
Some Free State farmers have been forced to close their businesses after veld fires ravaged their farmland. Recent veld fires have destroyed more than 45 000 hectares of land in the eastern Free State, alone. This is while the Department of Agriculture sent back R44 million to the National Treasury. The monies were not spent during the 2022/2023 financial year and were sent back.
The African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA) says the action by the department is disheartening. Especially because of the losses suffered by the farmers in 2022 due to veld fires.
In 2022, more than 1800 farmers sought relief after being affected by veld fires in the province but no relief was forthcoming. Those who managed to recover say it takes three years to bounce back.
Karabo Lebuso, an emerging farmer from Odendalsrus, says “This fire has affected us badly and it’s a devastating situation. We need fodder and some of the cattle are pregnant. Any kind of relief will be appreciated.”
Some farmers have put measures in place to prevent the spread of fires.
Local farmer Hendrik Pretorius adds, “We started the controlled fire just to create a barrier so that we don’t get affected otherwise, if we don’t do that we will end in trouble. AFASA’s Secretary, Realeboha Mokhethi says the provincial government has failed the farmers.
“It’s disturbing that we are not being associated even when we apply for relief funds in Thabo Mofutsanyana a majority of black people have suffered a huge blow. We ask agriculture to intervene and release the funds to assist us. Farmers have been urged to take precautionary measures to prevent and avoid losses due to veld fires.
Source: eNCA
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