Following devastating veld fires that swept through Zilandana village in Qumbu last week, farmers are finding solace in the support extended by the Eastern Cape department for rural development and agrarian reform.
Nonceba Kontsiwe, the MEC, visited the village to assess the damage first-hand and offer immediate assistance to affected farmers.
Masibhozo Yilo, who lost a significant number of sheep in the fire, expressed gratitude for the assistance provided. “Losing all my sheep – 126 in total – and being left with only 15 left my heart so sore. I don’t know how I slept on that day and I was not prepared to speak about it,” Yilo shared, reflecting the emotional toll of the loss.
The arrival of feed from the government has provided a glimmer of hope. “The MEC has given us hope with her words and there is relief because we have feed. We now have hope because at least the remaining ones will have something to eat,” he added.
Madidizela Yilo, another affected farmer, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the impact of the support received. “With these sheep we were able to send our children to school and feed our families as I am not employed. This is a great loss to me,” he said.
Both Yilo and his cousin are part of the local woolgrowers who sell their wool to BKB in Gqeberha, with some sheep sold locally to generate income.
Kontsiwe reassured farmers during her visit, highlighting government’s commitment to supporting them through this difficult time.
“After officials visited the affected areas, the immediate intervention identified was feed because the veld was destroyed with just little patches of grass left,” she explained.
The MEC acknowledged the profound impact of the loss on the farmers’ livelihoods and offered words of encouragement. “We are here to console you, don’t despair. Please find a place in your heart to be consoled. We feel your pain,” she said, underscoring the importance of resilience in rebuilding their livelihoods.
Officials from the Eastern Cape’s department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs urged people to obtain burning permits from their respective municipal authorities. This initiative aims to curb the destructive impact of unplanned veld fires that have plagued the province.
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