By Pelane Phakgadi
During the handing of supplementary feeds, MEC said, “It is our duty to ensure that farmers are supported and empowered to recover from natural disasters such as these veld fires”.
Polokwane: Limpopo MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Nakedi Kekana, has handed over livestock supplementary feeds to 400 farmers affected by the recent veld fires in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality, Sekhukhune District.
The affected areas include Mphane, Malope, Makgwabe, Setlaboswane, Een Kantaan (Ga-Mampana), and parts of Masanteng village, where extensive veld fires destroyed large portions of grazing land between 05 and 08 September 2025. The loss of grazing material has placed severe pressure on livestock farmers, threatening the sustainability of their herds and livelihoods.
In response, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, under the leadership of MEC Kekana, rolled out disaster relief support in the form of livestock feeds to assist affected farmers in mitigating the impact of the fires. The intervention forms part of the department’s ongoing commitment to supporting farmers in times of crisis and ensuring the protection of agricultural production assets.
Addressing the farmers during the handover at Mphane Village, MEC Kekana reaffirmed government’s dedication to strengthening resilience within the agricultural sector. “Our farmers are the backbone of food security and rural livelihoods. It is our duty to ensure that they are supported and empowered to recover from natural disasters such as these veld fires,” said MEC Kekana.
The MEC further urged farmers to work closely with departmental officials in implementing fire prevention measures, including the establishment of firebreaks and community-based fire management structures.
The Department continues to monitor affected areas and will provide ongoing support through its disaster management and farmer support programmes.
