Maanda Michael Mafhege (47), a disabled blind farmer in Dzingahe village just outside Thohoyandou, has suffered a setback after a fire destroyed part of his four-hectare orchard.

The damage is estimated at over R40 000, leaving Mafhege contemplating abandoning farming if he does not receive assistance.

On the day of the incident on July 1, Mafhege and his helper were seated near the entrance gate of his orchard when a fire from a nearby grocery shop spread because of strong winds.

“A man who works at the grocery shop was cooking outside using firewood. The fire became uncontrollable and spread to my orchard. Despite efforts by my helper and the grocery shop worker, it was too late to stop the fire from causing extensive damage,” Mafhege recalled.

The fire destroyed his irrigation system, including water pipes and drips, as well as his green pepper crop, which was about to be harvested and sold to the community.

Mafhege is a dedicated farmer who has been honoured by the Dzingahe community with a certificate of recognition for his contributions.

He has generously donated his produce to organisations that look after the disabled, funerals, and the community at large.

“I don’t want to live by begging. Farming was my way of avoiding becoming a beggar at the doors of bigger shops in towns like Thohoyandou and Sibasa. This loss has also affected orphanages and daycare centres that relied on my donations of cabbages, onions, and other vegetables,” he said.