North west drought
[LISTEN] Could the water crisis have been avoided?
Calls for Gauteng residents to decrease their water usage by 15% seems to have fallen on deaf ears.
Regional Director of Water Affairs Rashid Khan explains how the current dam levels in the Western Cape threaten water security.
The Western Cape is one of 8 that have been declared disaster zones due to the ongoing drought.
Agri Wes-Cape has warned many farmers have started planting winter crops but rains have arrived too late.
It’s understood the impact of the drought has been exacerbated by the poor state of water infrastructure.
The area is one of many affected by the worst drought to hit South Africa in decades.
Swartruggens resident say they’ve lost hope that they will ever have water after six months of no supply.
Forecasters expect wet weather conditions in Gauteng, the Free State and the North West.
While some farmers struggle to keep their livestock alive, others have been unable to plant any crops at all.
The NGO announced it will be delivering water to affected areas in the North West province.
The weather service says 2015 was the driest year since weather data was first recorded in 1904.
AgriSA says more farmers are selling excess livestock to ease the burden of having to feed them.
The water supply initiative is working towards supplying water to communities affected by the drought.
The organisation has also established a drought relief fund for farmers who've been hard hit by the drought.
The president addressed the South African Jewish Board of Deputies at Gold Reef City on Sunday.
Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe says the funds will be added to the R352 million already earmarked.
There are warnings that if rain doesn't fall during the planting season, next year’s yield could be worse.
Weather SA warns hot & dry conditions are expected with temperatures in some areas reaching over 40 degrees.
National Agricultural Marketing Council warns food prices are expected to increase nationwide.