Drought Disaster Fund launched

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Danette Breitenbach

The consequences of the prevailing drought have a negative impact on the economic survival of many farmers. This in turn could have direct short-term consequences, such as food shortages for rural communities and specifically also for farmer and farmworker families. "For this reason, it is important that an attempt be made to assist those who find themselves in this difficult situation," says Agri SA executive director, Omri van Zyl.

Faixal via Pixabay

Senwes, one of the agribusinesses in the country, has joined forces with Agri SA to establish the Drought Disaster Fund to provide assistance, especially at humanitarian level, during this difficult time. They wish to call on businesses and the public to support this initiative by making contributions to the fund via the website created for this purpose. The following methods of payment can be used: EFT, credit card, cheque debit cards, SnapScan or premium tariff sms at R30 per sms.

Van Zyl says, Hans van der Merwe, former executive director of Agri SA, has been contracted to assist with the management of the fund and the use thereof by provincial organisations.

"This initiative forms part of a more comprehensive effort made in collaboration with various stakeholders. This process is currently being driven at various levels," says Van Zyl. "We once again call on all South Africans to support the fund. Without your goodwill we will be unable to have an impact on a drought situation that has started to take its toll."