LIMPOPO – Heavy rains that fell two weeks ago caused widespread damage in the Louis Trichardt area, but also created an unexpected source of income for some residents.

Swarms of locusts that arrived with the rain are now being caught and sold by unemployed community members.

A two-litre container sells for R100

Groups of men and women head daily to nearby bushes, particularly around the D959 farms along the road to Madombidzha, to collect locusts and grasshoppers.

Many hope to earn enough to buy basic household items and food.

Timmy Mukwevho from Tshikwani said he can collect up to 20 litres of fresh locusts on a good day. “This is enough for my family,” he said.

He described locusts as both nutritious and low in fat. Mukwevho catches them at night using a torch or early in the morning when they are less active.

“There is a danger of snakes at night, but I keep going because this is my main source of income,” he said.

He explained that he can fill a five-litre container daily, storing the insects in a deep freezer to keep them fresh for several days.

Some are prepared by removing the wings and drying them for customers who prefer them that way. “We sell a two-litre container of locusts for R100,” he said.

Seasonal work keeps food on the table

Samuel Muenda from Tshiozwi, who is unemployed, said the activity has enabled him to provide meals for his family. He also harvests locusts at night using lights.

“Locusts are good for building our bodies,” he said.

Muenda encouraged others to find ways of earning an honest living.

“We have to think outside the box and find ways to make a living. Locusts and grasshoppers are seasonal, so when they are not available, I do piece jobs,” he said.

He added that some people initially doubted his efforts.

“But when customers started coming to my home to buy the insects, they saw that this was real. I am happy that I can put food on the table without asking others for help,” he said.