In a statement, the commercial farmers’ union said the province was first hit by severe frost about two weeks ago. Equally devastating fires followed.
TLU SA North (Limpopo) has since met Dr Takie Makananisa, the new head of the provincial disaster management centre, to brief him on the impact of the frost and fires.
“Although TLU SA Limpopo is still receiving information about the actual extent of the damage, the figure of more than R1,3 billion has already been communicated to Makananisa, who will, in turn, pass it on to the national disaster management centre and the relevant ministers,” said Henk van de Graaf, TLU SA’s northern chairperson.
“We must, however, realise that we have not yet received all reports and that this figure could still rise significantly as the final losses due to the severe frost and fires are calculated.”
According to the statement, Makananisa showed great interest in agriculture and said the provincial disaster management centre recognises the impact that the recent weather-related disasters in the province have on food security. He promised to give it serious attention.
All farmers in Limpopo are requested to submit damage reports to Danie Prins, manager of TLU SA North, via email at danie@4sf.co.za or WhatsApp at 072 904 7070.
“Furthermore, it is also extremely important that farmers who find themselves in financial difficulty as a result of these disasters immediately contact their financial institutions and be transparent about the extent of their problems to find solutions,” said Van de Graaf.
“Each farm is its own business entity and will be treated as such. TLU SA has already received assurance from financial institutions that they want to help farmers, but it is important that they discuss their problems with them as early as possible.”
