Farmers battle floods, snow and damaged infrastructure

Over the past few weeks, heavy rainfall in parts of the country has disrupted farming operations, with some producers unable to access their farms due to damaged infrastructure.

The government has stated that it has been difficult to estimate the cost of damage, as mop-up operations are only beginning. With road closures in the Western and Northern Cape, a call has been made to declare the areas a state of disaster.

In the Western Cape, disruptive rain and severe weather have hit areas along the Garden Route, while snow has fallen over high-lying regions.

Damage to roads hinders farming

Agri Northern Cape has formally called for the urgent declaration of a provincial disaster in response to the ongoing deterioration of the province’s road network following repeated flooding events.

In a statement, Agri Northern Cape said since the end of the drought period in 2021–2022, the Northern Cape has experienced multiple flooding incidents that have caused widespread damage to road infrastructure.

“Despite ongoing efforts, repairs have largely been temporary, with the scale and recurrence of damage exceeding the department’s current capacity and available resources. This has been further exacerbated by above-average rainfall experienced during 2025 and 2026, with impacts not isolated to specific areas but affecting the province as a whole.

“Without proper drainage design and maintenance, we are seeing the same roads being repaired repeatedly without addressing the root causes. This not only increases costs but also places immense strain on farmers, rural communities, and the broader economy,” Agri Northern Cape said.

Kgomotso Itumeleng, a poultry farmer from Maphiniki in the Northern Cape, said that with major roads like the N14 being closed, farmers are forced to use alternative roads that are not tarred.

“Bridges connecting one area to another have collapsed here in the John Taolo Gaetsewe region. It is difficult for farmers to move from one area to another; however, knowing farmers, we soldier on despite these challenges. We communicate amongst ourselves to say which roads are better,” he said.

Affected areas on high alert

Media liaison officer for the department of roads and public works in the Northern Cape, Zandisile Luphahla, said calls for a provincial disaster declaration remain under consideration at a provincial level.

“The department will align with any decisions taken and ensure that available resources are directed towards sustainable and durable road infrastructure solutions.

“Due to ongoing torrential rains, most districts in the province have been affected, with the John Taolo Gaetsewe and ZF Mgcawu districts currently experiencing the most severe impact,” Luphahla said.

Meanwhile, Eastern Cape Agriculture spokesperson and sheep farmer Eben du Plessis said there is a good snow in the North-Western region of the province in areas like Middleburg, Graaff-Reinet and some parts of Cradock.

“The areas had some good snowfall and very heavy rains, especially on the coast, with some places experiencing about 200mm, but we have not heard reports of damage as yet. There are some telecommunications problems with some network towers being down.

“Also, the livestock is in good condition because of the good rain in most parts of the Eastern Cape. But also with the decent warnings we’re getting these days, it is better because farmers are able to prepare for what comes and to prevent any losses,” he said.

Warnings to avoid flooded roads and rivers

In the Gamtoos Valley in the Eastern Cape, the Kouga Dam has exceeded full capacity, and yesterday it was at 113%. Due to a serious flood risk, an evacuation notice was issued to surrounding communities, and farmers were strongly advised to relocate livestock, farming equipment, machinery and vehicles to safer areas to avoid severe flood damage. Additionally, communities were warned to avoid all river crossings and flooded roads.

In North West, Rebaone Alecia Paul, a livestock and crop farmer in Ganyesa, said roads to the farm are not in good condition as persistent rains have made it impossible to access kraals.

“The other major damage on the roads is water flowing from other areas with force, and that makes the road unsafe to drive on and unable to access the farm. Although it is raining, our dam in the farm is yet to be full. I would like to see that happening, then I know in terms of water we will be sorted,” she said.