04 Apr 2026

‎PHANE HARVESTERS FLOCK MMATSHUMO OUTSKIRTS ‎ ‎Mmatshumo area is experiencing an influx of phane worm harvesters, prompting authorities to visit the area to appreciate the situation and ensure compliance as per the requirements of the Department of Forestry and range Resources. ‎ ‎Boteti District Commissioner, Mr Ewetse Selelo urged the harvesters to maintain hygiene and avoiding over-harvesting to preserve the worms for future seasons. ‎ ‎He also encouraged them to acquire permits with the permits ranging from P5 for harvesters and P115 for dealers whilst exports permit costs P2200. ‎ ‎Senior forest and range resources officer, Mr Onalenna Manene encouraged all the harvesters to acquire permits, adding that the permit was not only meant for harvesting, but also for record keeping as it entailed contact numbers, names and place of residence, the information he said could help in instances of emergency. ‎ ‎Update and photos: Kabo Keaketswe