Question NW2817 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
21 December 2020 - NW2817
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 479 for oral reply on 4 November 2020, she has been informed that the R35 million that was allocated for drought relief in the Northern Cape did not reach the farming community; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps does she intend taking to address the issue; (2) on what date does she intend following up with the province to address the drought crisis to relieve the negative impact caused by the drought condition?
Reply:
1. The drought relief funds were transferred to the provinces in July 2020. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, progress in implementing the required interventions has been low. Verification of the affected farmers was also impacted. The Northern Cape Province distributed drought relief vouchers from 9th November to 4th December 2020 to qualifying farmers.
2. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development will visit the Northern Cape Province in January 2021 for monitoring purpose.