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Faizel Patel – 08/12/2020
The Inkatha Freedom Party in KwaZulu-Natal has urged KZN Agriculture MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi, to inform the public of the measures in place to protect crops in the province, should a locust outbreak pose a threat to our agricultural sector.
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza announced that the country is currently experiencing outbreaks of locusts in the Free State, Northern Cape and Western Cape.
The IFP says although, there are currently no locusts reported in KwaZulu-Natal, it’s challenging the MEC to reveal the prevention measures – if any – that her Department has in place to safeguard the agricultural sector.
“Our province is an agricultural hub that produces food not only for South Africa but also for the export market. It is vitally important that this sector is not undermined by the potential threat posed by locusts. Locust swarms devastate crops and cause major agricultural damage, which can lead to famine and starvation.”
IFP says Moloi should not remain silent in the face of such a devastating threat to the agricultural sector.
“We cannot allow a situation where the government only reacts in a knee-jerk manner after a disaster has occurred. We are very concerned that should these locusts invade our province, there will be large-scale destruction of farms, that will result in massive job losses. This will also have a knock-on effect and lead to an increase in food prices, which will impact the poorest of the poor.”
The party has advised the public, farmers and farmer organisations that they must report the presence of swarms immediately to the nearest agricultural offices, so that officials can act quickly and work to avoid extensive damage.
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