AFASA Calls on Government to Declare Free State Cattle Deaths a Disaster
- The African Farmers' Association of South Africa urged the government to declare a disaster after more than 500 cattle died in the Free State
- Heavy rains and snowfall in the Fezile Dabi District Municipality triggered the mass livestock deaths during last week's severe weather
- AFASA launched a three-day relief programme in Heilbron to assist affected farmers and prevent further losses
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FREE STATE — The African Farmers' Association of South Africa (AFASA) has called on the government to declare a disaster following the deaths of more than 500 cattle in the Fezile Dabi District Municipality, attributed to severe weather that swept through the region last week. The extreme conditions, which brought heavy rains and snowfall, caused widespread livestock losses among farming communities in the area.
According to SABC News, Piet Mothepu, who heads AFASA's Land Reform Committee, described the mass cattle deaths as a tragedy demanding an immediate response from authorities. Mothepu made the remarks during a three-day relief programme that AFASA organised in Heilbron to provide temporary assistance to farmers who sustained losses. He stressed that the scale of the damage warranted an official disaster declaration, which would unlock government resources and support for the affected agricultural communities.
Supplements to help prevent further deaths
As part of its short-term intervention, AFASA said it would supply affected farmers with livestock supplements aimed at strengthening surviving animals and reducing the risk of further deaths under difficult conditions. The relief initiative forms part of a broader effort by the association to stabilise affected farming operations while the push for formal government intervention continues.
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Farmer loses cattle to cold front
In a related article, Briefly News reported on the severe cold front that recently impacted South Africa, resulting in significant losses for local farmers, including a notable case of a farmer who lost four cows. The emotional response from the public, sharing their own stories and suggestions for better livestock protection, underscores the economic and personal stakes involved in farming during extreme weather events.
Source: Briefly News
