Water warriors saddle their horses for Victoria West

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GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Farmers of the Central Karoo, in the region of Victoria West, can expect welcome drought relief through an initiative of the South African Water Warriors (SAWW).

This non-profit organisation is planning its next outreach for 21 August, when they will deliver groceries, pet food, fodder like lucerne bales, corn and a variety of fresh products to roughly 150 farmers and farm workers in desperate need.

"Remains of animals lay bare in the dry Karoo field. Farms and businesses have been forced to close down following a long-standing drought of a decade in these areas," said a local water warrior, Pieter du Plessis.

"Farmers are packing up. Those who stick it out have taken tremendous strain and have used up all their savings. They have nowhere to go." It is not just farmers and farm workers taking the hit, said Du Plessis.

The devastation the drought has wrought on the towns is horrific, with some reduced to virtual ghost towns.

In some areas, between 30% and 90% of farm workers have lost their jobs.

Help the farmers

SAWW appeals to businesses, transport companies and the public of South Africa to step up and make difference in the lives of these farmers.

"We need transport to move fodder from donors to these farms and this is costing us anything between R25 000 and R40 000, depending from where we need to move it," said Du Plessis.

Photo gallery: Water warriors plans an outreach to Victoria West

"Groceries like sugar, coffee, cake flour, maize, cooking oil and tinned foods are always welcome. Fresh produce like potatoes, onions, carrots and butternuts will be appreciated. This we can only do if it is donated or if we have the funding to purchase these items." All these items are transported and delivered to the farmers at no cost to them.

Local businessman Andrew Fischer of Roof Mart / Duro Plastics challenges other businesses to match or better his donation of R2 000 towards the Victoria West outreach. For more information, contact Pieter du Plessis on 076 844 6435.

Donations can be dropped with Christa Koen at Tavcor George - an official drop-off point for SAWW. Help with transport for the drive to Victoria West will be welcomed.

Groceries like sugar, coffee, cake flour, maize, cooking oil and tinned foods are always welcome.