If you thought 2020 couldn’t get worse, think again. Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza has confirmed that there is an outbreak of locusts currently plaguing the country.
Three provinces are facing a locust infestation, including the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Free State. Didiza made the announcement on Thursday, December 3.
“Control measures are currently being implemented to curb the spread of the locusts. The current strong winds are aiding the fight and spread of the locusts,” Didiza said in a statement.
“The department has already dispatched a team of specialists to the affected provinces to work with the provincial departments of Agriculture and Rural Development officials and our entity, the Agricultural Research Council and farmer organisations.”
The Minister urges farmers and farmer organisations to alert the department if they detect a swarm of locusts. Any sightings should be reported to the following department officials:
- Gert Greyvenstein on 082 451 4860
- Vuyokazi Mpumlwana 084 760 8176
- Dr Ikalafeng Kgakatsi on 072 198 9882
