Farmers in the Gouritz region near Mossel Bay are facing some of the toughest conditions in years, with ongoing drought leaving grazing lands barren, causing crop failures and leaving animals starving.
SA For Hope, a non-profit organisation that assists struggling farmers across the country, conducted an outreach in the area to deliver much-needed fodder. The relief included over 30 tons of maize donated by farmers from the Cedarville in KwaZulu-Natal, more than 30 tons of sunflower seeds transported by a farmer from Schweizer-Reneke (who had only an hour and a half of sleep the previous night but arrived early in the morning), and 35 lucerne bales sponsored by a farmer from Glentana. A primary school in George also contributed donations to help bridge the gap.
A local farmer receiving the aid expressed gratitude, noting that while 12 mm of rain fell last week and grass is only now beginning to sprout, “it’s not raining money” and bank balances remain empty. The delivered feed, he said, means a great deal and will last two to three weeks to feed their sheep.
The situation has become financially and emotionally overwhelming for many farmers, but an outpouring of support from fellow farmers nationwide has provided relief. One donor was described as a “gentleman with a big heart” who always pulls out all the stops when help is needed.
As the drought continues to grip large parts of the Western Cape, SA For Hope has stated it will keep coordinating relief efforts to support affected farming communities.
