Note to editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Hismajesty Maqhubu.
Small-scale farmers in Dealesville have suffered a great loss as their animals die in large numbers at the municipal commonages. These commonages have one thing in common, filthiness and massive illegal dumping. Please see pictures here, here, here, here and here.
The commonages provide access for underprivileged residents to grazing land and small arable or garden areas to supplement their income and enhance household food security. The municipality has failed to enact by-laws to regulate and control the use and protection of such lands. Additionally, the kinds of stock that may be pastured, restricting the number of stock per householder, and restricting or prohibiting the use of certain of the council’s land for pasturage need to be clearly stated and appropriate charges prescribed by the municipality.
The Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 states that offences in respect of animals include unnecessarily starving, underfeeding, or denying water or food to any animal. The dam that is intended to supply drinking water to the animals in Dealesville has sewerage pumped directly into it. The municipal officials are aware of this situation and have done nothing to improve or prevent this harmful act against animals and, by extension, farmers.
We urge the municipality to lobby the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Farmer’s Associations to help small-scale farmers gain access to qualified experts such as a veterinarian.
Assistance to follow the health requirements of the province and methods to maximise animal health and welfare have to be prioritised. We will accompany the farmers to the SAPS to open a case against the Municipal Manager in terms of the Animal Protection Act. By taking legal action, we hope to hold the MM accountable for any negligence or failure to enforce animal protection laws. Additionally, we will work with local organisations and NGOs to provide training and resources to small-scale farmers on sustainable farming practices that promote both environmental sustainability and animal welfare.