The crippling drought in KwaZulu-Natal looks almost certain to have a nasty effect on the province’s multi-billion rand sugar industry.
The drought, which is presently drying up rivers all over the province and leading to stiff water restrictions, has led eight sugar mills to consider closing two months early. Production is expected to be severely affected, as are the mill workers, who account for more than 10 percent of the national agricultural work force.
Mills usually shut down at the beginning of December but some could be forced to close as early as next month. The three operational mills which cater for North Coast growers are Maidstone, Gledhow and Darnall, but it is unclear which might be affected.
Agriculture and rural development MEC Cyril Xaba is due to meet key roleplayers on Friday, to plan a way forward. He acknowleged that the sugarcane industry is facing collapse and confirmed that the drought is the major contributor. The MEC stated that the sugarcane industry would be out of operation for nine months of the yearly milling season.
Should the drought persist production on the North Coast could be shut down for longer. Neither Tongaat Hulett nor the SA Sugar Association could provide clarity on which mills on the North Coast could shut early.
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