Staff Reporter
The government says measures are being put in place to contain an outbreak of locusts which has reportedly hit the Free State, Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces.
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza said in a statement on Thursday the current strong winds were aiding the flight and spread of the locusts but the situation was under control.
“I wish to urge farmers and farmer organisations to alert us whenever they spot these locusts and work with our officials on the ground to curb the spread,” said Didiza.
The national agriculture department has already dispatched a team of specialists to the affected provinces.
Swarms of locusts have been spotted around the Xhariep district between Bethulie and Gariep Dam.
Farmers and ordinary members of the public are advised to report locust swarms they spot in their areas to: Gert Greyvenstein on 082 451 4860, Vuyokazi Mpumlwana on 084 760 8176 and Dr Ikalafeng Kgakatsi on 072 198 9882.