Limpopo MEC Nakedi Kekana Provides Livestock Feed Relief to Farmers Affected by Veld Fires

Limpopo MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Nakedi Kekana, has handed over livestock supplementary feeds to 400 farmers impacted by recent veld fires in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality, Sekhukhune District. The affected areas include Mphane, Malope, Makgwabe, Setlaboswane, Een Kantaan (Ga-Mampana), and parts of Masanteng village, where fires between 05 and 08 September 2025 destroyed large portions of grazing land.

The loss of grazing material has placed severe pressure on livestock farmers, threatening herd sustainability and livelihoods. In response, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, under MEC Kekana’s leadership, rolled out disaster relief support to help farmers mitigate the impact of the fires. Livestock feeds were distributed as part of the department’s ongoing commitment to protecting agricultural production assets and supporting farmers during crises.

Speaking during the handover at Mphane Village, MEC Kekana emphasized the government’s role in strengthening resilience in the agricultural sector. “Our farmers are the backbone of food security and rural livelihoods. It is our duty to ensure that they are supported and empowered to recover from natural disasters such as these veld fires,” she said.

MEC Kekana also urged farmers to work closely with departmental officials to implement fire prevention measures. These include establishing firebreaks and developing community-based fire management structures to reduce the risk of future veld fire incidents.

The Department will continue to monitor affected areas and provide ongoing support through its disaster management and farmer support programmes. This intervention highlights the importance of rapid response and collaboration in protecting farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring the sustainability of livestock production in Limpopo.

The relief programme underscores the province’s commitment to building resilience in agriculture and safeguarding rural communities against the impacts of natural disasters.