Farmers are reporting huge losses due to damages to machinery, equipment and stock amid power outages.
Agri SA’s Executive Director Christo van der Rheede says, “The agriculture sector really faced an uphill battle for the past few weeks, especially with the [load] shedding level 6 which has really caused a lot of problems.” “Farmers also lose their equipment due to power surges and so forth. Your consumer, at the end of the day, suffers as a result of farmers sitting with the increased cost and even products being rejected by retailers because of a compromised cold-chain system.”The rising cost of fuel and food is having an impact on theThe South African Anxiety and Depression Group , says they have noted an increase in callers experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, due to financial woes.
“The increase in fuel prices, the knock on effect it has on their family, their household, their job, transport and just their overall well-being.”