The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) has been made aware of fraudulent activities currently happening pertaining to the Covid-19 relief fund vouchers in and around the Gauteng province.
In a statement issued by Nozipho Hlabangana of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, based on information confirmed by the Department, the scammers are pretending to be officials of the Department of Agriculture and are requesting Farmers to pay a sum of money in order to be given their Covid-19 relief fund vouchers.
The department wishes to put on record that all the Covid-19 Relief Fund Vouchers were distributed during the months of June and July 2020 to all successful applicants. The Department further wishes to confirm that there are no more vouchers to be issued under the programme, and the Department would never require farmers to make any financial contribution as a condition to receiving assistance and support.
“GDARD is urging all farmers to be vigilant during this time, as there are opportunists who are taking advantage of what government is doing to assist and support farmers in ensuring continuous food production.”
Should there be enquiries related to the Covid-19 Relief Fund Vouchers, please contact Mpho Tlape on 066 488 3056.
