Farmers urged to keep their cattle off the road
The Department of Transport spent over R5 million on reflective belts but cattle owners are reluctant to use them
LIMPOPO – Because stray animals, especially cattle, can cause serious damage to lives and vehicles when they are involved in accidents on the road, the Department of Transport has come up with a possible solution which will make animals more visible and hopefully lead to fewer accidents.
Acting MEC for Transport, William Ntlatla, says they bought reflector belts for animals at a cost in excess of R5 million, however Blouberg cattle owners have failed to make use of the belts.
Ntlatla made this statement during a campaign held at Ga-Machaba village in Senwabarwana last Wednesday.
According to the department, the campaign serves as a way to engage with Blouberg farmers and give away animal reflective belts and ear rings.
“We urge our communities to work with us and ensure that we do not have stray animals on our roads,” he said.
“Stray animals on our roads are a huge concern as we have lost many lives as a result. Together we need to take an active role in dealing with stray animals as it is our collective responsibility. We need to guide our animals away from the roads and let them graze freely far away from our roads.”
Ward 11 councillor, John Makgakga, said the campaign held value for farmers as many of them lack skills in terms of caring for their herds.
“These belts illuminate at night so that motorists are able to see the animals on the roads and we believe this will help to reduce the number of accidents,” said Makgakga.
From the Polokwane Stock Theft Unit, Sgt Pebetsi Kwapa urged herd owners to brand the animals as stock theft statistics continue to rise every day.
“According to the law, an animal which is not branded does not have an owner. Working together in branding our animals can help to reduce the percentage of stock theft,” said Kwapa.
