The current drought, the worst according to statistics in 73 years, is taking its toll.

Thin cattle are dying in the veld.  Dams that are usually brimming to the top with water at this time of the year have been reduced to mud patches.

Fishing are dying in their thousands as rivers dry up.

Statistics, dating back 113 years, show that this is the driest it has been in 73 years.
Disturbingly, should the trend continue in November, this will be the driest it has been since statistics started.
Herman de Wet, a prominent farmer near Rorke’s Drift, who also grew up in the area, said streams that normally stopped flowing in September – just before the onset of the rainy season – had already dried up in May.
“We have just come out of a dry season and headed straight into an even drier one.
Depending where you are in the area, we have received only between 40% and 60% of the average rainfall. The underground water supply is drying up and sandstorms – unheard of in November – are now the norm.”

The Province has been declared a disaster zone and Government intervention to rescue especially emerging farmers is on the cards.

The Mangeni falls near Isandlwana have also dried up much to the horror of tourists.  ”It as if it has forgotten how to rain,” said one resident.

Yesterday, the cricket match between the Rebels and Molls continued in the rain – a shower that was isolated and last for only ten minutes

And then the sun was shining again.  Heavy thunderstorms are predicted for Thursday.  Maybe there will be some relief in store before Christmas…