SCORCHED EARTH RELIEF - SOUTH AFRICA

Arsonists have destroyed multiple farms in South Africa

The first fires were reported on the 19th October 2020 and raged for days. Scorched Earth Relief is raising funds for organisations to assist farmers and their workers who have lost EVERYTHING. Find account details below for direct donations to the organisation who wrote the article that follows, or click on the donation link to help this fundraising initiative "Scorched Earth Relief - South Africa". The area focussed on in the article is not the only area that has been attacked as other areas of our country have also come under fire in what seems to be an orchestrated plan being carried out by saboteurs. Many farming areas were already labouring under drought conditions and this terrorism has made matters far worse. It will greatly affect the ability of our nation to be fed in the near future.

In one of the worst fires this season and in the last few years, about 100 000 ha were destroyed in the Boshof / Dealesville / Hertzogville area. Hundreds of livestock, game and even houses were completely destroyed in the fires.

According to Dr Jack Armor, Operations Manager of Free State Agriculture (FSA), some of the fires were started by protesters who apparently protested against poor service delivery. The severe heat and strong winds that prevailed in the Free State over the weekend also further complicated the situation.

"In some situations, cattle ran seven farms to escape the fire," says Armor. "Although there was no reported loss of human life, we are aware of farmers who have suffered serious burns and we wish them a speedy recovery."

"Free State Agriculture welcomes the fact that the SAPS has already investigated a case of arson and accused persons have already been arrested. We can not allow the lives of farmers and farm workers to be further endangered in the current circumstances as a result of criminal activities, such as arson, "said Armor.

FSA has confirmed that they will make R100 000 from their Disaster Fund available for fuel from transport donations. It will be administered by the FSA office and allocation of donations will be coordinated by the local agricultural associations to affected farmers.

FSA appeals to any institution or individual wishing to become involved, to contact Elize Spence at FSA office at [email protected] or 051 444 4609. Financial contributions can be made to FSA's disaster fund at:

Free State Agriculture

ABSA

Account number: 470940670

Branch code: 632005

Reference: RAMP + cell number

DESPERATELY NEEDED:

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics and other veterinary medicines;

• Energy licks such as molasses flour and / or lick blocks;

• Grass, crop residues, maize and any roughage.

• Any pasture that has been spared and can be given up;

• Poles, wire and fencing material to try to repair damaged infrastructure;

• Plastic pipe for water supply

• Fuel and transport for donations

YOUR HELP IS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED WITH THANKS, PLEASE CLICK ON THE DONATE LINK, EVEN SMALL AMOUNTS WILL BE HIGHLY APPRECIATED.