The Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development together with KwaMashabane Livestock Association held a livestock show at Hlazane Deeping Tank in KwaMashabane under Umhlabuyalingana Municipality today 8 June 2010. Local livestock farmers paraded their Nguni cattle which were competing for prizes.
The main objective of the show was to meet and engage the KwaMashabane Livestock Association on animal husbandry practices.
MEC Lydia Johnson expressed her satisfaction with the livestock condition and encouraged the farmers to practice the culture of deeping their cattle. She said it is important for the farmers to be well versed with animal health practices and take the necessary precautions to keep their cattle in good condition. “Deeping your cattle will save your animals from a lot of diseases, ticks and avert other serious diseases,” said Johnson. She also said that the department has noted the farmers request for branding equipment and reiterated the importance of branding to curb livestock theft which is a big problem in the area. The community has used paint marks as a temporary measure and some have not been branded.
On the issue of grazing velds, Johnson said communities should work closely with traditional leaders and agree on identifying land for livestock grazing. “The department can then assist with fencing once land has been made available because we want to increase the breeding capacity of these cattle whose numbers seem to be dwindling. They are very strong; and can withstand difficult conditions even drought,” said Johnson.
Johnson congratulated the winners and encouraged other farmers to work harder. She said that the department is looking at the prospect of establishing sale yards where farmers can trade.
Community members made a repeated call to be assisted with water for household consumption and construction of dams for their livestock. They also appealed for the department to look after cotton farmers in the area and assist them with securing markets. The department is already engaged in the process of scooping earth dams in order to improve the availability of water.
Enquiries:
Ncumisa Mafunda
Tel: 033 343 8063
Cell: 079 515 7187
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
8 June 2010
