The DA is pleading for disaster support for the agricultural industry in the Free State, given the severe heat wave and drought that hit the industry in this province. In addition, there is a looming danger of another fire season which could possibly mean a repeat of the devastation in 2023 if proper precautions are not taken.
“The DA believes that the government must intervene and support our agricultural industry,” says Roy Jankielsohn, the DA’s prime ministerial candidate in the Free State. “This industry ensures our food security and makes a significant contribution to our provincial GDP and employment rate.”
Jankielsohn says it is worrying that the department of agriculture and rural development in its adjusted budget has moved an amount of R44 million away from disaster management, something that is currently urgently needed.
“In light of this, the DA sent questions to Moses Ketso Makume, the MEC of the Department of Human Settlements, Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs. We want to determine the readiness of the department to deal with wildfires and other disasters and determine whether the department has made any funds available to assist farmers in the event of wildfires and other disasters.”
The DA also requested assistance from Makume and the MEC of the Department of Agriculture for the agricultural industry.
“We also raised an issue in a session of the Free State legislature so that the MEC can explain how they will support emerging, subsistence and commercial farmers during natural disasters such as drought and the fire season when help is urgently needed.”
Jankielsohn says the Free State makes a major contribution to the South African agricultural economy. “Our farmers remain national assets that produce food and ensure food security for our country in extremely negative circumstances. The DA will continue to fight to make sure that the agricultural industry and food security are protected at all costs and that farmers receive the necessary support.”
