Drought in the Northern Cape

The central and eastern parts of the Northern Cape as well as the Bushmanland are desperately dry, having experienced extreme temperatures coupled with strong westerly winds.

James Faber, chairperson of the Northern Cape Red Meat Producers' Organisation, said temperatures in excess of 40 °C have been measured since the beginning of January.

Grazing has deteriorated rapidly since the last rains over the Ghaap regions fell at the end of November and the beginning of December.

Agri Northern Cape CEO Henning Myburgh said it was particularly dry in the areas to the south and west from Vanzylsrus and in Askham.