Bhisho MEC warns of deepening drought worries

[caption id="attachment_124257" align="aligncenter" width="500"] BASIC EXPENSE: Concerns about the rising costs of staple foods like pap, being prepared here by Lindi Sehlabela in Johannesburg, have risen to the point where a special top-level meeting is being held today. Picture: REUTERS[/caption]

THE drought that has gripped large parts of the Eastern Cape has not only placed food security under threat, it is expected to cause massive job losses and hike food prices to unprecedented levels.

This warning was issued yesterday by Eastern Cape Rural Development MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane as he painted a bleak picture of a situation so dire that the economy is likely to feel its effects for years to come.

Qoboshiyane, who has assisted some farmers, will attend a special meeting with Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana and other MECs today to discuss solutions.

Most affected are the Joe Gqabi, Chris Hani, Alfred Nzo, O R Tambo and Amathole district municipalities.

Qoboshiyane said 100 000ha of maize had been planted this season as opposed to 298 000 in previous seasons.

“[The] Eastern Cape’s agricultural output and employment are likely to drop and consequently more people are likely to be food-insecure.”