The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo will continue to engage with all stakeholders in the agricultural sector and hold the Limpopo Department of Agriculture accountable to ensure it fulfils its mandate of supporting the growth and sustainability of both emerging and commercial farmers.
The DA in Limpopo is increasingly concerned about the lack of tangible and meaningful outcomes from the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and the inadequate support provided to both emerging and commercial farming sectors during times of need. These ongoing failures, lack of targeted interventions, and inability to respond effectively have rendered the Department increasingly ineffectual and obsolete:
- Black Frost Disaster Still Not Declared
The Department and the provincial administration have, to date, failed to have the black frost disaster of June 2024 declared a Provincial Disaster, despite its severe impact on Limpopo’s potato farmers, among others. Such a declaration would have facilitated the release of funding to assist affected parties. In stark contrast, the disruptive weather that impacted the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga in October was swiftly declared a National Disaster.
- Makhuduthamaga Women Left Stranded
A group of elderly women from Makhuduthamaga, accompanied by a DA councillor, sought assistance from the local Department of Agriculture office to sustain their families. Instead of receiving help, they were met with indifference by a district official, who refused to assist them, citing their failure to apply previously and providing no guidance on how to apply in the future. This incident highlights the department’s uncaring attitude, with claims suggesting that assistance is unfairly reserved for individuals affiliated with the ANC.
- Livestock Farmers Abandoned
During Limpopo’s prolonged and ongoing drought, livestock farmers were promised aid in the form of animal feed after submitting forms. However, no assistance has materialized, leaving subsistence and emerging farmers particularly disillusioned, with their livestock at risk. The DA condemns the Department’s empty promises. Such inaction and deceit are not only cruel but also a betrayal of desperate farmers.
- Heatwave and Low Rainfall Worsen Conditions
The ongoing heatwave and minimal rainfall have worsened conditions for farmers. While some may refer to this as a “green drought” due to the deceptive appearance of leafy trees, underground water levels are critically low. The situation remains dire as December progresses. The DA questions whether the Department has a contingency plan in place and whether it will respond as it should have already.
- Uncaring and Economically Shortsighted
The Department is failing to support one of Limpopo’s largest economic sectors. Its apparent inability and refusal to care for farmers reflects a lack of basic economic understanding, responsibility, and ethics.
- Capable Government
Ethical governance requires prioritizing the needs of the vulnerable, while capable government ensures the delivery of necessary support. The Department, unfortunately, appears to lack both characteristics.
The DA remains committed to engaging with all relevant stakeholders to hold the Department accountable. We will continue advocating for meaningful and equitable support for all farmers in Limpopo—not just a select few.