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