IN EARLY DECEMBER 2014, the government released a statement on national radio, (SAFM was one of the stations) advising that R350 million had been allocated to assist drought affected rural farmers in 32 KwaZulu-Natal municipalities. It was stated at the time that these disaster relief funds had been released to the KZN Provincial Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation for immediate disbursal to the worst affected areas. Almost two months later, suffering farmers of Kwesakamthethwa and other areas have yet to receive assistance, or even obtain information regarding when, where, and how, the much-needed disaster relief funds will be utilized.

Kwesakamthethwa meanwhile, remains a disaster zone.

Although there were a few showers during December, grass re-growth is overall poor and very patchy. Large areas of bare earth are still visible which will become eroded if heavy rains fall. The storage dams – the only surface water available to livestock – have received only enough rain to turn them into mud holes – death traps for cattle that try to drink at them. For a year, pleas have been made to local government for dam maintenance, but they remain silted up and cannot hold much water. Rain water storage tanks for each household are also needed.

Some farmers have moved livestock to other areas where grazing is better. However, translocation is very expensive and greener pastures are limited in drought stricken Zululand, so this is not an option for most in this poor community. Although farmers are trying to take what measures they can to save their remaining herds and conserve the little available grazing, urgent large-scale government intervention is needed.

Long-term weather forecasts predict dry conditions will continue for most of the year. Winter in Zululand is, in any case, always a dry season. Farmers fear that if good rain does not fall within the next few weeks, and the vital support promised by government does not materialize quickly, last year’s drought, which has already left thousands destitute, will escalate into widespread famine and disaster.

For the Kwesakamthethwa community - already overwhelmed by the drought and forgotten by government - an added threat now looms large – coal mining. This makes us ask, is this perhaps why communities have not received the promised R350 million drought relief? Could this also be the reason for the gradual withdrawal of government’s agricultural support and extension and its overall neglect of small-scale rural farmers in Zululand? After all, farmers who have lost everything and who have little hope of recovery if not aided by the state, may easily be persuaded to hand over their degraded farms for a share in the crumbs tossed from the tables of the big mining companies.

Kwesakamthethwa awaits urgent answers from government.

For more information contact local farmer and community leader:
Mthembiseni Thusi (Dalton Hostel Chairman): 081 021 8608 / 073 889 4385