Limpopo farmers are facing a bleak outlook after a weekend of black frost swept across the province, causing widespread damage to crops and infrastructure.
According to TLU SA’s north region chairperson, Henk van de Graaf, reports indicate “tremendous losses” to potatoes, tomatoes, and various vegetables. Areas like Vivo, Levubu, Marble Hall, and Bela-Bela were particularly hit hard.
Weather havoc
“Potato farmers are especially vulnerable,” says Van de Graaf, “having already suffered in previous seasons.” He urged financial institutions to offer support to these struggling farmers.
TLU SA is calling for a comprehensive damage assessment. They are urging all affected producers to report details like location, crops impacted, and estimated losses to their regional offices or Danie Prins, the regional manager.
Furthermore, TLU SA is requesting a visit to the affected areas from Limpopo’s MEC for agriculture, Grace Kekana, and national minister of agriculture, John Steenhuisen, to assess the situation and explore possible assistance programs.
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Adverse weather warnings for Western and Northern Cape
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said that in the week ahead, residents of the Western Cape are advised to remain vigilant, as further winter weather systems can be expected to affect this region.
“Heavier and more disruptive snowfall of 15cm to 30cm that may lead to the closure of roads and mountain passes, as well as the loss of vulnerable livestock, can be expected over the southern high ground of the Northern Cape and the western high ground of the Western Cape,” SAWS said.
The weather service further advised the public and small stock farmers to take the necessary precautions ahead of the expected adverse weather conditions to ensure the safety and well-being of their animals.
“Very rough and high seas (with wave heights of 6 to 9 metres) are expected along the Western Cape and Northern Cape coast on Sunday, spreading to the coast of the Eastern Cape.
“This may result in damage to coastal infrastructure, disruptions to harbours and ports, danger to life, and pose a risk to medium to large vessels,” the weather service said.
Eastern Cape Agriculture spokesperson Eben du Plessis said the warning systems were in place for farmers with small livestock to take the livestock into shelter and prevent losses and damages.
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