03 Feb 2025

 In a bid to enhance the effectiveness of drought relief efforts, the Kanye District Council has announced a shift from a voucher-based system to directly crediting farmers’ funds into their mobile phone money accounts. 

This decision aims to better meet the immediate needs of farmers facing the impacts of drought. 

During a recent kgotla meeting, residents voiced concerns regarding the inadequacy of the voucher system, particularly highlighting issues with inflated prices at retail stores. 

Ms Tebogo Mahlunge, the council’s Chief Social and Community Development Officer, explained that the new programme was a result of a review of the previous directive and was set to provide assistance until June 2025. 

She noted that beneficiaries could be enrolled in the Ipelegeng programme on a non-rotational basis or receive a food basket valued at P700. 

The initiative targets farmers over the age of 60 who have experienced poor yields following planting or who rely on harvesting wild products such as phane, thatching grass, and moretwa, she said. 

Ms Mahlunge said the programme was currently supporting 587 farmers, comprising 341 males and 311 females, with a smaller group of 65 individuals being directed to Ipelegeng. 

Despite initial successes, Ms Mahlunge acknowledged several challenges, including staffing shortages due to increased workload, resulting in a backlog within social safety nets and case management. 

She said due to the geographic spread of the district, an additional 227 farmers from Moshupa, Mabutsane, and Goodhope who operated outside the region had also been assisted, as they resided within Kanye’s jurisdiction. 

Guided by the ‘Batho-Pele’ principle, which emphasises service delivery to the community, Ms Mahlunge assured residents that her department was committed to addressing each case individually as they arose. 

She noted that while transition to direct account crediting was implemented, a number of farmers still prefered receiving food baskets, particularly during the ploughing season, reflecting the flexibility needed in the programme’s execution. 

She stated that as the drought relief programme continued to evolve, the council was emphasising its commitment to tackle the ongoing challenges and ensure that those in need receive the requisite support. ENDS