In a parliamentary reply it has been revealed that national government will no longer provide any additional drought-relief.
MPP Andricus van der Westhuizen says: “Unfortunately National government has diminished the seriousness of the drought, such as in the Karoo and Matzikama districts, by no longer considering it a national disaster, according to a Government Gazette notice released last week.
This flies in the face of evidence on the ground. Veld in these areas will need at least three years of good rainfall to recover from the drought, farmers in the Karoo require an even longer period. This means that farming will only kickstart in this region once rain has cured the drought.
I will therefore write to the national Department of Agriculture to request their briefing of our provincial Agriculture Standing Committee, with particular emphasis on the need to develop a drought-aid programme that will not only be directed at stock farmers, but also to those that produce fruit and other types of produce.
I will also move a motion in the provincial parliament, calling for a debate on this matter, as it impact the food security of the province and livelihoods of farmers, farm workers, and many rural communities in the Western Cape.”
The Provincial Department of Agriculture applied to the National Disaster Management Centre, through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, in December 2019 for funding to the value of R178 million. On 7 July 2020, less than a one-sixth (R25 million) of the requested amount was granted. And only on 1 August 2020 were the first fodder vouchers issued to farmers in critical areas.
MPP van der Westhuizen adds: “Even with the little support received, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s veld assessment has determined which farmers qualify and who are those most in need of support. The departments standard operating procedure has ensured transparency in the procurement of funds for drought stricken farmers.
However, we need much more support. In areas such as the Karoo they require multi-year support due to the severity of the drought.”
The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape remains committed to the safe-guarding of our agriculture and will ensure its survival.
