Drought assistance initiative by Agri SA

On 9 December 2015 Agri SA announced the launch of a drought assistance initiative to South African farmers in drought-stricken regions. The drought negatively affecting the economic survival of many farmers and could lead to food shortages for rural communities and specifically also for farmer and farmworker families in the short term. “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.

Senwes, one of the agribusinesses in the country, and Agri SA have therefore established the Drought Disaster Fund to provide assistance, especially at humanitarian level, during this difficult time. A call is made to businesses and the public to support this initiative by making contributions to the fund via the website created for this purpose, namely www.droogterampfonds.co.za. The following methods of payment can be used: EFT, credit card, cheque debit cards, SnapScan or premium tariff SMS at R30 per SMS. The former executive director of Agri SA, Hans van der Merwe, will assist with the management of the fund and the use thereof by provincial organisations.

Van Zyl said, “This initiative forms part of a more comprehensive effort made in collaboration with various stakeholders. This process is currently being driven at various levels. 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.”