MEC encourages all farmers to apply to Covid-19 Relief Fund
A total of 3 047 forms were distributed, but the department has only received 754 completed forms.
The MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs in Mpumalanga, Mr Vusi Shongwe, addressed the media in Ermelo on 20 April.
In his address, Mr Shongwe stated he plans to request the National Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza, to extend the deadline for farmers to apply for the Covid-19 Relief Fund.
He was not pleased with the low number of farmers who have applied since the applications were made available.
“According to the information we have received, the problem was that most farmers, especially small scale farmers were delayed by the struggle with the requirements like certified copies of identification and bank documents.”
The deadline for applications is 22 April.
A total of 3 047 forms were distributed, but the department has only received 754 completed forms.
“Another issue is that some farmers do not have the supporting documents to prove their annual turnover, while others are struggling to get the documents due to the lockdown.”
Mr Shongwe concluded by encouraging all farmers to apply even if they did not have the record documents at their disposal right now.
“It is up to the Minister to decide, but I know that as Government we have no intention of leaving anybody out.”
