Byron Latham

While some South African farmers received good rainfall over the weekend of 23 and 24 January, storm Eloise resulted in several regions in neighbouring Mozambique being flooded or experiencing water damage.

Updated weather models and information about cyclone Eloise are suggesting the possibility of widespread flooding, damage to roads and bridges, as well as the possible displacement of affected communities in the northern and eastern parts of South Africa, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

Water resource management in South Africa is in crisis, and this may have serious implications for agriculture. This was according to Prof Anthony Turton of the Centre for Environmental Management at the University of the Free State.