SABI Magazine February March 2016 | Page 6

Drought/water saving Gifts from generous South Africans’ SMS’s and businesses Agri Drought Fund above R1.8 million T he drought has seen the caring and generous side of South Africans blooming. From ordinary people donating many litres of water to scarce areas to monetary donations from individuals and companies, the generous spirit has dominated. At a meeting held in Bloemfontein on 08 December 2015 by the captains of Agribusinesses in South Africa, the Agribusiness community unanimously gave their support to the Drought Disaster Fund which was originally initiated by Senwes in association with Agri SA. Senwes has now handed over management of the fund to Agri SA completely and has in-fact become a major donor with a contribution of R1m to the fund. However, it has been said that around R20bn is needed to alleviate the plight of the South African farmers during the worst drought Christo van der Rheede, Agri SA’s Deputy Executive Director of the non-profit organisation billed as the “home of the South Africa farmer” will take overall responsibility for the fund which includes the disbursing of funds as well as fodder to farmers in need. Producers in need are asked to contact their nearest farmer union or Agri SA office to apply for assistance. Thanks The fund, which was launched in December 2015, now stands, at the beginning of February, at R1 878 353.78 and counting. The majority of donations were made by ordinary South Africans via thousands of sms contributions. However, several significant contributions made by companies like Beefmaster, Voermol, Sanlam, Monsanto, Grainovation, Overberg Agri and FNB. Spoornet and other transport companies have also indicated that they are willing to ferry fodder in support of the Drought Disaster Fund. “As the home of the South African farmer, Agri SA’s main concern is to ensure food security so that the nation’s citizens will not go hungry. The effects of this devastating drought will be felt for years to come, and all corporate entities, not just the Agri-sector needs to be involved in this project,” says Agri SA’s Omri van Zyl, Agri SA’s executive director. “I want to thank the companies who made significant contributions, but more espe