Online concert ‘with a difference’ planned
“There is a long and difficult road to recovery for farmers who have been tested to the limit and are struggling a lot financially”
Plans to hold a “cyber concert” to raise money for drought-stricken Northern Cape farmers are in full swing, according to organisers.
“It’s going to be a concert with a difference,” said Môregloed resident Lydia Veldman of the online concert scheduled for 25 July.
Lydia and her husband, Frik, have been involved for some time in initiating projects that help alleviate the need of communities – locally, but also much wider.
“In the Moot, Lydia became known for her passion and initiatives to assist the drought-stricken Northern Cape farmers and their workers,” Frik explained.
“Earlier this year she organised drought relief concerts to raise funds. With the support of the Moot for Christ forum, a few churches in the area also helped.”
Three concerts, one of which was held at the Pierneef Theater, were initially planned.
“From the beginning it was also my desire to give exposure to local talent with these concerts,” said Lydia.
“And what a surprise to work with a number of talented artists – old and young who have not missed the opportunity to contribute to a good cause.”
Two planned concerts had to be cancelled when the Covid-19 lockdown suddenly started, but this did not deter Lydia.
READ MORE: Watch: Farmers in South Africa struggling due to drought
Except for additional money donations in the first days of the lockdown period, the idea of an online concert quickly took hold.
“There is already great excitement among artists who will be part of this,” she said.
The Veldmans were in constant contact with Sybil Visagie in the Sutherland area who has established an excellent support network for the Northern Cape towns.
“Sybil confirmed on Sunday that the situation of the farmers in this Covid-19 period has sadly only deteriorated further,” she said.
“The wool auctions have been stopped for a while and that means no income for these farmers.
“In addition, the sheep herds were severely thinned out and weakened by the drought. The poor condition of the sheep meant the lambing season started late and farmers struggled to save their lambs in the cold weather.”
READ MORE: Movement feeds thousands in the north
Although rain showers in parts of the Northern Cape have brought relief, the distress is even greater now than before, Frik explained.
“There is a long and difficult road to recovery for farmers who have been tested to the limit and are struggling a lot financially,” he said.
“I hear it every time: the farmers are courageous, because they know that there are people across the country who continue to support and pray for them.
“That’s why this online concert is so important to us; it can only help make a difference again.”
For further information contact Lydia at lydiaveldman6@gmail.com. Details on bookings for the online concert will be available soon.
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