Covid-19: MEC Shongwe donates thousands of masks and calls on farmers to do the same
If farm workers are neglected and become ill, food production will be compromised.
Thousands of masks have been donated to farmer’s organisations, associations and other sector stakeholders in Mpumalanga.
Along with the donation came a strict warning from Mpumalanga Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environment Affairs MEC Vusi Shongwe that the farming community must protect workers’ well-being by providing masks, gloves and hand sanitisers to prevent the further spread of the Covid-19 virus.
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“Farm owners and management at farms must prioritise the safety of workers.
“There should be no worker who has not been provided with protective masks and gloves.
“Social distancing must also be adhered to,” pleaded Shongwe.
He said if farm workers are neglected and become ill, food production will be compromised.
“Farm owners and managers must show leadership, we rely on them to protect workers.
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“We can donate protective equipment, but as a MEC I cannot police every farm to make sure that regulations are followed,” Shongwe said.
The donation of food to poor farm dwellers and workers also received attention.
“It makes no sense at all that people who live on farms where food is produced go hungry.
“As government we will continue to do our best to donate, but farmers must also play their role, especially towards poor people who stay and work the farmlands across the province,” he said.
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