26 Mar 2023

Farmers whose cattle were earmarked for slaughtering as part of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) eradication exercise in Zone 6b in some parts of the North East District have commended government for speeding up their reparation.

Government has started compensating farmers whose cattle were depopulated in order to eradicate FMD which broke in the North East District’s zone 6b last year in August.

Government has already disbursed P570 000 in cash, two weeks after the start of the killing of animals at the Maun abattoir with each farmer getting P3 000 for each beast.

One of the farmers, Mr Pedzani Bajiti of Mabudzane expressed gratitude at the speedy decision to compensate farmers despite the fact that depopulation exercise started two weeks ago.

“We are indebted to the government to have seen if fit to start compensating us in the shortest period of time,” he said.

He said such a move motivated farmers not to despair but to know that government was always on their side even during difficult times such as theirs.

He said he would use part of the money to construct strong cattle kraals that would able to contain the new arrivals during restocking exercise.

“I will also use the money to settle my debts which occurred during the period of the FMD outbreak.

Still in Mabudzane, another farmer, Ms Thembani Simon shared the same sentiments saying it it showed that government was committed to the agricultural sector. This, she said would ensure the country attained food security.

Similarly expressing gratitude for the compensation of farmers was Ms Grace Mbachwa of Khohli ward Jackalas NO 2 applauded government for expediting compensation process.

Meanwhile, Kgosi Seisa Ndzimumbi of Mabudzane advised to framers to use the money appropriately and wisely as it was a liquid asset.

“Money is considered a liquid asset due to its ability to be readily accessed,” said the traditional leader, emphasing that beneficiaries should take advantage of the compensation and settle their liabilities if any.

He urged North East District Council to provide psychological support to farmer who had received their compensation the same way they did to those who lost their cattle due to depopulation. 

Kgosi Ndzimumbi has appealed to those who have been compensated to put the money to good use. 

“This should also apply to those who have not received their payments so that they remain prepared for the money in order to use it wisely,” added Kgosi Ndzimumbi.

For his part, Kgosi Mbangwana Jackalas of Jackalas No 2 told farmers that the compensation was not a replacement of what they lost but an assistance from government for loss suffered.

Meanwhile, Kgosi Eric Moipolai of Matsiloje has commended  government for allowing farmers in the southern part of Zone 6b to start trading with their livestock.

However, he emphasised that trading should be done in compliance with the health restrictions from the Department of Veterinary services.

He however, warned residents to be extra vigilant to prevent the disease from spreading to their area.

Kgosi Moipolai said zone 6b had not yet been declared a free FMD and therefore there were risks that the virus could re-emerge and collapse the cattle industry in the area.

He said that the outbreak of the FMD in the area for the third time was a wake-up call to farmers in the North East District to up their game and make sure that the area remained a free FMD zone.ENDS