Francois Wilken, president of Free State Agriculture FSA, has highlighted concerns about the potential effects of Lesotho’s food security crisis on South Africa.
Wilken’s comments follow the declaration of a national disaster by Lesotho’s prime minister, Sam Matekane, due to drought conditions caused by El Niño. It is reported that around 700 000 citizens of Lesotho require humanitarian assistance, with an estimated R2.1 billion needed to address the crisis.
“We acknowledge the severity of the situation and extend our sympathy to those affected by hunger. We support a structured humanitarian response to procure and distribute food in an organised manner,” says Wilken.
However, FSA has also expressed concerns about potential consequences for South Africa, including increased crime along the border. “We experienced the theft of twenty hectares of dry beans before we could harvest them,” a local farmer reports. “We now have guards monitoring our maize around the clock.”
This increased security need places an additional burden on South African farmers, and FSA is calling for further assistance to manage these challenges.
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Cross-border cattle grazing and illegal employment
A recent assessment by FSA’s security risk analyst, Dr Jane Buys, identified issues with Lesotho cattle grazing on South African farms, often managed by Lesotho nationals who may be in the country illegally. The problem extends beyond the border areas and affects many farms in the Free State, particularly near mining regions.
Additionally, there are reports of illegal employment of Lesotho citizens.
“These activities are a means for individuals to earn money to send home, but they have significant implications for small and emerging South African farmers and contribute to increased crime in rural areas, which in turn affects our own food security,” notes Buys.
In response, FSA is urging the government to bolster protection for South African farmers, particularly those near the Lesotho border, to prevent theft and ensure continued food production.
“If farmers are forced to invest excessive time and resources into security rather than farming, it could impact their productivity and overall viability. This has the potential to affect the broader Southern Africa region and lead to further food shortages,” concludes Wilken.
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