GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The drought-ravaged Graaff-Reinet with its surrounding areas is making national headlines.

Farmers are in dire need of food for their livestock, and game are jumping fences to graze along main roads.

Senior Environmental Officer at the Eastern Cape Provincial Departement of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Frikkie Rossouw, told the Advertiser the situation is dire.

"Game farmers are suffering immensely. They have to buy fodder at extremely high prices," Rossouw said. He concentrates on the plight of farmers in the Eastern Cape and is not involved inside South African National Parks (SANparks).

He said a Graaff-Reinet farmer has applied for a permit to move his game to Limpopo, but that applications for permits to move game have declined significantly, as most surrounding areas are also affected by drought.

"The whole region is drought-ravaged. In the past, farmers applied for permits to move game from point A to B, but at the moment it would be to no avail. All they will be doing is to move game and other livestock from one drought-stricken farm to another," Rossouw explained.

One of the windmills in the Camdeboo National Park that provides water to the game and other animals while the Nqweba Dam remains empty. Photos: Christo Vermaak

He said because of the harsh conditions, the market for game and livestock has declined.

"Farmers aren't buying as there is no food for the animals. Boreholes and farm dams are empty."

Camdeboo National Park Manager Mzwandile Ngadu said SANparks' game are straying from their usual, more secure grazing areas in an effort to find food.

However, he said as far as water is concerned, they are well-prepared for the drought, making use of windmills and water holes.

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