KwaMashabane Livestock show

June 2010

The Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural
Development together with KwaMashabane Livestock Association held a
livestock show at Hlazane Deeping Tank in KwaMashabane under
Umhlabuyalingana Municipality today 8 June 2010. Local livestock farmers
paraded their Nguni cattle which were competing for prizes.

The main objective of the show was to meet and engage the KwaMashabane
Livestock Association on animal husbandry practices.

MEC Lydia Johnson expressed her satisfaction with the livestock
condition and encouraged the farmers to practice the culture of deeping
their cattle. She said it is important for the farmers to be well versed
with animal health practices and take the necessary precautions to keep
their cattle in good condition. "Deeping your cattle will save your
animals from a lot of diseases, ticks and avert other serious diseases,"
said Johnson. She also said that the department has noted the farmers
request for branding equipment and reiterated the importance of branding
to curb livestock theft which is a big problem in the area. The
community has used paint marks as a temporary measure and some have not
been branded.
On the issue of grazing velds, Johnson said communities should work
closely with traditional leaders and agree on identifying land for
livestock grazing. "The department can then assist with fencing once
land has been made available because we want to increase the breeding
capacity of these cattle whose numbers seem to be dwindling. They are
very strong; and can withstand difficult conditions even drought," said
Johnson.

Johnson congratulated the winners and encouraged other farmers to work
harder. She said that the department is looking at the prospect of
establishing sale yards where farmers can trade.

Community members made a repeated call to be assisted with water for
household consumption and construction of dams for their livestock. They
also appealed for the department to look after cotton farmers in the
area and assist them with securing markets. The department is already
engaged in the process of scooping earth dams in order to improve the
availability of water.

Enquiries:
Ncumisa Mafunda
Tel: 033 343 8063
Cell: 079 515 7187

Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural
Development, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
8 June 2010