Kwanalu has been lobbying long and hard for a holistic approach to assist the drought-stricken farmers in KZN .

KZN’s Department of Agriculture, DARD. decided to announce a scheme which was implemented last week Monday.  – see below for a summary’

“We understand that KZN DARD made an allocation of funds to each district.  However,  reports regarding alleged mismanagement of the scheme, including amongst other non-verification of applicants, discrimination of applicants, abuse by applicants, changing the rules without proper engagement.  Bona fide farmers have not benefitted for the scheme have been reported. We believe this may have led to the funds being exhausted within a very short time period.  It would appear that many bona fide farmers have not received any assistance at all, ” said KWANALU’s Sandy La Marque.

“Whilst we are very grateful for the assistance and forward thinking of KZN DARD to make some provision for assistance at the same time for many of our bona fide farmers this has sadly come a little late.  The allocation of funds has also perhaps created false expectations amongst many, the need to still take proactive measures to reduce livestock numbers, implement better animal health care and look at ways to mitigate the disaster should not be forgotten and probably most importantly each person must take ownership of this.

“Kwanalu has always engaged in an open and constructive manner with KZN DARD, as such we will continue to do so.  The MEC also announced his intention to create a forum, we would also seek to participate in this, Kwanalu currently sits on the Provincial Disaster Management Forum and is an active member of any discussions on disaster management in the department.

“Reports regarding alleged mismanagement of the scheme, including amongst other non-verification of applicants, discrimination of applicants, abuse by applicants, changing the rules without proper engagement.  Bona fide farmers have not benefitted for the scheme. “

 

“We still remain highly concerned that at this stage only livestock farmers have received any relief, the drought goes across all boundaries, categories of farmers and commodities.  The impact has a greater social and economic consequence than just those who may be immediately affected.

“Reports have been received that the price for a bag of maize has doubled, people do not have spare funds so their last resort is to cut down on a meal every day.

“Reports regarding alleged mismanagement of the scheme, including amongst other non-verification of applicants, discrimination of applicants, abuse by applicants, changing the rules without proper engagement.  Bona fide farmers have not benefitted for the scheme.

“On November 2o the province of KZN was declared a disaster as a result of the protracted drought.  The declaration is valid for a period of three months thereafter a further process would need to be undertaken. All districts were included.

“The result of this is that simply put relief can now be implemented.  Currently DARD is only looking at the following relief:

1. Procurement of inputs for livestock and water harvesting – R60million
2. Aggressive de-worming of livestock- R9million (to be conducted by veterinary section at dip tanks)
3. Borehole drilling and dam scooping – R45million (contracted service providers to implement)
4. The possibility of using state land for grazing – (No grazing in northern part of KZN, other areas are under investigation)

The scheme will be implemented as follows:

1. A once-off, one-stop service, first come first serve basis (Collect & pay) (it will run for a period of three months or until the funds are depleted)
2. Farmers are categorised as follows for own contribution-
   1. Subsistence 100% <4 LSU’s
   2. Small 100% <12 LSU’s
   3. Medium 80% <50 LSU’s
   4. Large 20% +50 LSU’s
3. The subsidy will be capped and will differ for different categories of farmers.
4. The farmer will only qualify for the subsidy once he has made a purchase.
5. SUBSIDY table  (Total amount for commodities procured – VAT Included)

6. Subsidies will be for:

Livestock feed – registered feeds, licks, ruminant drought pellets, dairy meal and multivitamins, vaccines, bales, dip, salt, fodder.

Water harvesting  – JoJo tanks, 6m gutter pipe, 2.4m through

Transport will be for the farmers account

7. Suppliers are being contracted by DARD (a list is not yet available, however a call to your local supplier will be able to confirm if they are participating, we will publish the list on our website on receipt thereof.)
8. To access the subsidy a farmer will be required to supply the following information and documentation at registration, i.e.: Farmer ID, name, Farm/Ward Name, Local Municipality, District Municipality, Livestock numbers
9. The following proof must be provided: Farmer must reside in the area (FICA – Letter proof address, Nkosi or Councillors letter), be a livestock farmer (Copy of a brand mark certificate or application), be a South African citizen (copy of an identification certificate/book), Farmer to Sign (or thumb print) and date the form (No crosses)

A reminder that this assistance will be on a first come first serve basis and run for a period three months or until the funds are depleted.

Whilst we are very grateful for this assistance we will continue to lobby as we believe a more holistic approach which would include all farmers should be considered. In addition consideration to further subsidized aid, pprovision of a Grant or Wage subsidisation, MPR rebates, Tax concessions, Incentives on stock reduction, Finance bridging, Subsidization of interest on production credit and long term loans amongst other could be secured.

“A national forum has been convened by Agri SA with a broad group of stakeholders to look at the above proposals and further ways in which the drought and other disasters could be attended to.

“Kwanalu continues to serve on the Provincial Disaster Management Forum, meet with the relevant stakeholders, MEC and other parties to ensure the voice of agriculture is heard.” Ms La Marque said.