A graphic and devastating video of ostriches killed by hail has been circulating on social media. In the small district of Aberdeen in the Eastern Cape, farmer Grant Krige lost about 450 ostriches after an “hour-long” hailstorm struck the small district on 28 October 2021.
Krige, who is the owner of Chelmsford Farm told IOL the hailstones struck some of the birds’ eyes and broke the necks of others.
“We also lost some of our goats and sheep, and the infrastructure was blown away by the storm,” Krige said.
Meanwhile, the NSPCA has launched an investigation stating that the video emphasises why shelter is non-negotiable for animals that are expected to brave adverse weather conditions.
The NSPCA believes that the ostriches did not have sufficient shelter under which to protect themselves during the hailstorm, which resulted in so many of them dying or being left severely injured.
Businesses leaving North West?
Prominent poultry agribusiness Country Bird Holdings has denied claims by deputy COGTA minister Obed Bapela that it intends to leave the North West province.
This is despite Bapela telling eNCA that the company was threatening to uproot. The news broadcaster reported that Bapela informed them that it was poor service delivery was key to the decision.
While details remain unconfirmed at this stage, some 2 000 people could reportedly lose their jobs.
Earlier this year, Clover announced that it was shutting down its Lichtenburg production facility and moving to KwaZulu-Natal. This, after years of service delivery issues.
According to Clover, the most compelling reason for its relocation was water and energy issues, which makes production more feasible in KwaZulu-Natal.
ALSO READ: ‘Nationalise Clover to save farm jobs,’ pleads union
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