Shongwe to request extension of deadline for farmers relief applications
A total of 3 047 forms were distributed to the farming community, but the department has only received 754 completed forms.
ERMELO – The closing date for applications for relief by farmers, may be extended.
This emanates from the slow trickling of applications by the farming community, especially small scale farmers.
This was the reaction of the MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Vusi Shongwe after a consultation with senior officials in his department.
He expressed a view that he is planning to request the national Minister, Thoko Didiza to extend the deadline for farmers to apply for the Covid-19 relief funds.
READ: MEC Vusi Shongwe visits farms for COVID-19 regulations
“The information at our disposal is that most farmers, especially, small scale farmers, have delayed to submit their forms because they have been struggling with some requirements like getting certified copies of their IDs and their accounts from banks.”
The deadline for farmers to submit their application is on Wednesday April 22, 2020. A total of 3 047 forms were distributed to the farming community, but the department has only received 754 completed forms.
Shongwe highlighted lack of records or good record-keeping by some farmers as one of the major factors causing the delay.
“Some farmers do not have supporting documents to prove their annual turnover, and others are struggling to get the necessary documents due to lockdown,” he pointed out.
ALSO READ: “Don’t transgress Covid-19 laws” – MEC warns farmers
He encouraged even those without records for now, to apply. “It is up to the Minister to decide, but I know that as Government, we have no intention of leaving anybody outside,” he said.
