Limpopo farmers continue to suffer as drought persists
A Limpopo farmer says he's lost 46 cattle as a result of the devastating drought.
Eight provinces have been declared drought disaster areas amid persistent dry conditions which is threatening farmers' livelihood and food security.
Cattle farmer Thomas Maluleke says the drought is crippling him.
His loss is estimated at nearly R300 000.
He accuses government of failing to assist farmers during what he describes as the driest months yet.
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But the Limpopo department of agriculture insists its doing all it can to help farmers.
Department spokesperson Selby Mokgotho says provincial government has set aside R10million for drought relief efforts.
Dam levels in the province continue to drop as a result of the ongoing drought and subsequent low rainfall.
Water is no longer being pumped at several dams in the province - including the Nsami dam in Giyani which is 8% full.
Residents in this area will now receive water from the Middle Letaba Dam which is at 20%.
Average dam levels in the country show a steady decline week on week, the department of water and sanitation has confirmed.
The levels are down by 0.5% to 51.4%. During the same period last year, dam levels were at 70.3%.