The sound and sight of rain usually fill farmers’ hearts with joy and hope for good harvests and greener pastures. But in the first month of 2026, torrential rains have instead brought devastation and despair to farmlands and kraals in parts of Limpopo.
By Montsho Matlala
What should have been life-giving summer rain has turned destructive for farmers in Limpopo, where relentless downpours have flooded fields, killed livestock and pushed rural livelihoods to the brink.
Farmers in areas around Giyani in the Mopani District and outside Thohoyandou in the Vhembe District are among those who have been hardest hit by persistent January downpours. The rains have caused widespread flooding, sweeping away crops and infrastructure, and forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes and seek shelter at community facilities after houses were damaged or destroyed.
Farming Operations Grind to a Halt
According to Eric Mlambo of the Mopani Farmers Association, farming operations have largely ceased across much of the Mopani district.
“Damaged and impassable roads are hampering access to farms, while many fields remain waterlogged,” Mlambo said.
He added that crop losses have mounted because of prolonged flooding and severe weed infestation, leaving many farmers unable to supply produce to markets.
“Livestock farmers have reported losses of goats, and poultry farmers indicated that broiler houses were flooded, resulting in the death of chickens and damage to infrastructure,” he said.
‘My Spirit is Broken’
One of the affected farmers, Penelope Mthombeni, who farms okra, chillies and broiler chickens on five hectares at Nwamarhanga outside Giyani, said the rains had shattered her livelihood.
“More than a hundred broilers drowned and the chicken house is damaged. Our crops have been destroyed. We were in the middle of harvesting okra when the torrential rain poured down, accompanied by heavy winds. Everything was washed away, including the chillies,” she said.
“My spirit is [broken]. My two permanent workers and 20 seasonal workers, including some from AgriSETA, are now stranded,” said Mthombeni, who has been farming for 15 years.
She appealed to government for urgent assistance. “We need seeds for okra and chillies, and support to buy chickens so that we can resume operations and sustain our livelihoods while supplying our customers. This is not only about the farmer – think of farmworkers and the entire value chain.”
Also read: Heavy rains disrupt farmers’ plans
Infrastructure Destroyed, Crops Submerged
In Daniel village under the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, farmer Adam Mabunda said his 30ha operation was now inaccessible after roads, including internal farm roads, were washed away.
“Our solar panels cracked due to strong winds, the tractor garage was damaged and five hectares of tomatoes are submerged and dying,” Mabunda said.
“About four tonnes of mangoes were damaged by floods and strong winds. One hectare of baby marrows is submerged, half a hectare of chesa and half a hectare of habanero are also drowning and dying as we speak.”
Mabunda said his biggest concern was the future of his workforce. “I have 11 permanent workers and about 20 seasonal workers. If government can give us relief in the form of materials, not necessarily cash, we can resuscitate our farming activities.”
He estimated damages on his farm at about R148 000.
Mabunda warned that climate change would continue to intensify weather-related disasters. “Unfortunately, I don’t see government doing enough to mitigate the situation. We should be seeing climate change awareness campaigns rolled out to the last person in the country,” he said, adding that individuals also had a role to play alongside industry.
Livestock Losses and Halted Production
Mlambo also suffered losses on his farm at Mphangani section in Dzumeri.
“Strong winds destroyed the lapa roof, which cost a lot of money to erect. Water is everywhere, our work areas are flooded and the farm office is leaking. Several sheep, goats, cattle and pigs have died, and some are still dying. I am very depressed by this disaster,” he said.
“We were processing okra harvested from three hectares and planned to dry it to make atchar, chips and juice. Then the heavy rain started. Now daily operations such as weeding and sending fresh produce to markets have stopped.”
He warned that without urgent government intervention, both farmers and workers face an uncertain future.
Also read: Heavy weekend rain brings relief – and new challenges – for crop farmers
Government Says Relief is on the Way
Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development spokesperson Mosupologo Mothotse urged affected farmers to report damages to their nearest departmental offices.
“To date, we have received appeals for assistance from 129 farmers in distress, and the number continues to rise,” Mothotse said.
“The department is working closely with the provincial disaster management unit to monitor the situation. Once damages are reported, officials will conduct assessments and verification for further processing and potential rehabilitation.”
Widespread Impact Beyond Agriculture
The unprecedented rainfall in Mopani and Vhembe districts has also affected human settlements, with homes flooded and residents evacuated to temporary accommodation. Many victims whose homes were destroyed have received food parcels from the humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers.
On Friday, 23 January 2026, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane led a ministerial oversight visit to Mbaula in Mopani and other flood-stricken areas to assess the damage and engage with affected communities.
Death Toll Rises
More than 20 people have drowned after being swept away by overflowing rivers in Mopani and Vhembe since December last year. A number of people are still missing and feared drowned.
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) CEO Themba Matlou also visited flood-affected communities in Mopani, urging grant beneficiaries who lost identity documents, SASSA cards or banking details to report to the nearest SASSA offices to avoid delays in grant payments.
The National Disaster Management Centre has declared a national disaster in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal since 17 January following severe flooding caused by torrential rains across the five provinces.
Also read: Scattered rainfall expected in coming weeks
