While heavy storms swept across the country, especially in the Western Cape, farmers in Free State are counting their losses following ravaging veld fires that damaged infrastructure and are threatening job losses.
Free State crop and livestock farmer Clifford Mthimkhulu said 4 500 hectares of his farmland burnt down during the recent veld fires.
“Four (farms) of my leased land burnt. One of the farms I own also burnt, and yes, there will definitely be job losses after these fires have caused this damage,” he said.
Grazing land scorched
According to the Free State department of agriculture, a preliminary report shows that about 8 000 hectares and some infrastructure and livestock are affected.
“At The All farm in Clarens, five unit houses are burned and irrigation system destroyed,” the department said.
The MEC of agriculture and rural development in Free State, Elsabé Rockman, said they had visited areas that were severely affected by veld fires around the province.
Related stories
- Devastating December veld fires rip through NC and WC farms
- Out of control: Veld fires leave farmers’ pockets in ashes
“We have been to Clarens and the veld fires have been extensive. Earlier in the week we assessed that 8 000 hectares of land have burnt and we expect it to increase significantly.
“There is a lot of infrastructure damage on farms, for example, fencing. In Petrusburg the veld fires have been on a smaller scale but that does not mean the impact is less significant on the farmers specifically,” she said.
Calls for feed and support
Johannes Bester of Loskop farm in Bethlehem said the fire started last Sunday and it took them three hours to stop the fire with about 50 people helping.
Bester said they need the government to help with infrastructure and feed as the grass could take up to four months to grow back again if it rains.
Meanwhile, the department of agriculture, rural development and land reform in KwaZulu-Natal said the province continues to experience damaging winds that could exacerbate the risk of veld fires.
This comes after the veld fires claimed the life of one person and left many injured.
The KZN MEC, Thembeni KaMadlopha-Mthethwa, has called upon farmers, particularly those in the rural areas, to be hypervigilant as the current weather could have devastating effects.
“Current harsh conditions are posing a threat to farmers and agri workers in the province. We are mostly concerned about those in the rural areas as fires can quickly spread out of control.
“To minimise damage in case of a veld fire, farmers should apply all measures of control to protect livestock and their crops. We are monitoring the province for emergencies and we will avail our services working with other stakeholders should the need arise,” she said.
ALSO READ: Call for stricter animal welfare laws in ostrich farming
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain
