Several community leaders said they were faced with a severe food shortage and called upon the government and other charitable organisations to intervene. “Most people in this area did not get adequate harvest from the previous farming season because of drought,” said Joseph Mahole Ncube, the kraal head for Sikhulu village. “Crops were destroyed by the sun and the little that people have cannot even take them to the end of this month. Some are already buying food, and, as you know, most people don’t have that money.”
Councillor for Ward 12 Kakaka Ndlovu, who said the drought situation was severe in his area, said most families were in a desperate situation. This forces them to sell their livestock in order to get money to buy food. “We have no option but to sell our cattle and buy food. I have sold more than six cattle from last year because of drought,” said Ndlovu. Ndlovu added that their plight was compounded by the outbreak of animal diseases that have threatened to wipe away their livestock. Ndlovu urged the veterinary services department to assist farmers in combating the livestock diseases as this was going to land many villagers into poverty should the situation continue.
The Member of Parliament for Mangwe constituency Edward Mkhosi assured communities that efforts were underway to engage various stakeholders to bring help. “I had a meeting with the provincial governor Angeline Masuku and we talked extensively about this issue. We are making efforts to engage the government and charity organisations to come to our rescue,” said Mkhosi.
Post published in: News