“Many farmers have suffered major damage; homes, structures, equipment, tools and fodder were destroyed,” said Susan Geldenhuys, spokesperson for the Hessequa Municipality.
“To date, the municipality estimated that the fire destroyed between 22 000ha and 25 000ha of veld. However, this could change as we are waiting for the agriculture department to finish their damage assessment.”
The Stilbaai Business Chamber has launched an emergency fund to assist effected farmers. Johannie Vermeulen, member of the chamber’s management committee, said that in addition to livestock farmers losing fodder, thatch-reed farmers would also suffer.
“Thatch-reed takes about 10 years before it can be harvest again. It will take these farmers much longer to recover.” Many had already started to look at planting alternative crops, she said.
The emergency fund will be used to assist both livestock and thatch-reed farmers.
“Many farmers have lost their cattle, but those who didn’t still need to feed them. Fences were burnt down and we hope that we can contribute towards erecting new ones,” Vermeulen said.
She said that for those that had insurance, it would be some time before the funds were paid out.
“Farmers don’t necessarily have the capital to buy fodder at the moment. Prices are also very high due to the ongoing drought and the lack of good pastures.”
In December 2016, a fire broke out on the farm Botuin in the Calvinia district, devastating 25 000ha on over 16 farms.
More than 6 000 sheep – many of which are pregnant – lost their natural feed, and farmers are now forced to feed them. Although they have received some feed, they still need about 200t of feed/month until the winter rains arrive.
Those who wish to contribute to the fund can contact Johannie Vermeulen on 083 333 1810.
