FARMERS HAPPY DRDAR MEC BROUGHT HOPE AND RELIEF
Farmers in Zilandana village in Qumbu whose sheep and goats died when they were affected by veld fires last week expressed joy that Eastern Cape for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Nonceba Kontsiwe brought them feed to assist their animals
Kontsiwe visited Zilandana village, where Masibhozo Yilo who lost 111 sheep due to the fire said he was inspired by the MEC assistance and words of encouragement and consolation include being provided with feed.
Yilo said he had only fourteen sheep left and he was distraught that on the day of the incident he “wanted to die.”
“Losing all my sheep 126 and be left with only fifteen left my heart so sore. I don’t know how I slept on that day and I was not prepared to speak about that incident. The MEC has given us hope with her words and there is relief because we have feed. We now have hope because at least the remaining ones will have something to eat,” Yilo said.
His cousin, Madidizela Yilo, said he lost 15 sheep during the incident but the relief given to them will assist them.
“Let me thank the MEC and government officials for their swift intervention after our sheep died.
“With these sheep we were able to send our children to school and feed our families as I am not employed. This is a great loss to me,” he said.
Yilo said he was part the local woolgrowers who sell their wool to BKB in Gqeberha and sold some sheep locally to make money.
MEC Kontsiwe said after DRDAR officials visited the affected areas, the “immediate intervention” was identified as feed because the veld was destroyed with just little patches of grass left.
“We are here to console you, don’t despair. Please find a place in heart to be consoled and we feel your pain. This your wealth hence we provided the feed so that the remaining ones double. We are sorry about your loss, but please to throw towels” Kontsiwe said.
She added that while she “cannot make a commitment” about the further support that would be given to the farmers but government would see what else can be done to assist.
Calling the incident “unfortunate and man-made”, the MEC urged the communities to discuss issues that caused veldfire like negligence of discharge burning cigarettes or starting the fires they could not control.
Kontsiwe said the traditional and local leadership should use every occasion, be it in during the chuch services or traditional occasions to raise awareness about the dangers of veldfires.