At least seven farmworkers from different farms in the Northern Cape have died of severe heatstroke. The workers are all from Kakamas where temperatures this week have peaked at 41°C.
They were admitted to the Kakamas Hospital at around the same time, confirmed Dr George Pasquin in an interview with the SABC. Five died on Thursday, 19 January. Two of the farmworkers remain on a ventilator at the hospital.
Heatstroke – the most serious heat-related illness – occurs when people battle temperatures above 40°C and exhibit central nervous system symptoms, reports Health For Mzansi. Victims can go unconscious, lose motor control, or become delirious, limiting their ability to respond to symptoms. When heatstroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 41°C or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.
According to various reports of the Kakamas tragedy, one of the deceased farmworkers initially fainted at work. A foreman at this farm, whose name isn’t disclosed, said a second colleague fainted while sitting under a shaded area on the farm.
Zandisile Luphahla, spokesperson for Mase Manopole, the MEC for agriculture, environmental affairs, rural development and land reform in the Northern Cape, confirmed to Food For Mzansi that the incidents occurred at farms in the Lower Orange Region.
Farms in the area are currently in their harvesting season.
‘All farmworkers to refresh and hydrate’
Manopole has conveyed her condolences to the families of the deceased workers.
“As the department, we send our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased, and wish them strength during this difficult time, hoping that God will strengthen them. We further wish the farmworker admitted at the Kakamas Hospital a speedy recovery.
We are assembling a team which is comprising of our department, departments of employment and labour as well as health, to visit farmers which are affected,” she said.
Currently, major parts of South Africa are battling high temperatures. The South African Weather Services warned of possible heatwaves in four provinces, including the Northern Cape.
Manopole called on farmers and farm managers to provide adequate water and short breaks to farmworkers during the harvesting season.
“We are aware that most farmers, especially in the irrigation belt, are pressed for time to harvest their produce. However, it is important that we allow our people to take some breaks in between to refresh and hydrate. Farmers are also expected to provide sun screen lotions and protective gear such as hats and lightweight loose clothing to their workers,” the MEC said.
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- This article was updated to accurately reflect that 5 Kakamas farmworkers died and not 7 as previously stated.
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