Prior to 1984, we drove on the left of the road. After 1984 we still drove on the left of the road. Now, 20-odd years later, we drive on what is left of the roads. I am a farmer in Dordrecht and this photo shows the state of our roads. The co-op won’t deliver diesel so that we can for example plough. Stock agents can’t get in to load our sheep and cattle when ready to be marketed. Companies will not deliver feed or maize to the farm. My staff have to walk 12km on a Sunday because the taxis can’t drive on the road.
What can we do?
We are told by the roads department of the Chris Hani District Municipality that there is no money to fix roads. In January 2012, we spent a week and thousands of rands trying to fix the roads so that we could at least get to town for supplies. There are many roads falling under the same municipality that are in the same condition and nothing gets done. If this is how we are supposed to make a living, then I am sorry to say that Africa will eventually starve.
Many thanks for your good magazine. Keep up the good work.