DARDLEA MEC Khethiwe Moeketsi Strengthens Disaster Relief Support for Farmers

MEC Khethiwe Moeketsi of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) continued her active farm visits as part of the disaster relief response programme following severe rains and floods. These weather events caused widespread damage, uprooting crops, damaging infrastructure, and negatively impacting farmers’ operations. The visits aim to assess the extent of the damage firsthand and provide immediate support to affected agricultural businesses. MEC Moeketsi stressed that quick intervention is essential to help farmers recover and maintain production levels.

During her visit to Shakoene Farm in Rietfontein near Alkmaar, MEC Moeketsi donated 150 Macadamia trees. The farm’s previous macadamia plantation had been uprooted by storms, threatening long-term productivity and income. The donation will allow the farm to reestablish its crop and minimize disruption to the supply chain. MEC Moeketsi highlighted that restoring destroyed crops is a key part of the department’s broader strategy to support farmers after natural disasters. She noted that such interventions not only help individual farmers but also strengthen regional food security.

At Insinga Farm in Plot 122 Freddenheim, MEC Moeketsi focused on infrastructure recovery. The farm, which produces pigs, cattle, and vegetables, had suffered damage to access roads and bridges, limiting the movement of goods and livestock. The department provided a temporarily restructured bridge and restored the main access road to ensure farm operations could continue without further delays. MEC Moeketsi emphasized that maintaining functional infrastructure is critical to farm resilience and ongoing productivity.

The MEC also used these visits to engage directly with farmers, listening to their concerns and understanding the challenges they face after the floods. She encouraged farmers to report damage promptly so the department can respond quickly and effectively. These interactions also allow DARDLEA to plan longer-term strategies for disaster preparedness and mitigation. By combining immediate relief with strategic planning, the department aims to reduce vulnerability to future extreme weather events.

Through these efforts, DARDLEA reinforces its commitment to supporting farmers and sustaining the agricultural economy in the region. MEC Moeketsi’s hands-on approach demonstrates the importance of coordinated disaster response that addresses both crop recovery and essential infrastructure. The department’s interventions ensure that farmers can continue operations safely, protect livelihoods, and contribute to broader food security goals. Farmers receiving assistance expressed relief and optimism, noting that timely support will help them rebuild faster and maintain productivity.