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The DA calls for an investigation into yet another animal cruelty scandal on a state-owned farm - this time in Limpopo province.
 
Information received by the DA on conditions at the Rietspruit farm in the Modimolle area shows evidence of shocking neglect of livestock allegedly managed by former Bela Bela municipal manager, Mr Andrew Dipela.

This follows the discovery of animal neglect at another state-owned farm just outside Hartebeesfontein more than a month ago.
 
Animals are being chronically underfed at Rietspruit, leading to cannibalistic behaviour where adult pigs are feeding off piglets.

This raises serious questions about the degree of oversight at state-owned farms.
 
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has a duty to regularly conduct oversight visits as part of its extension services programme.
 
The DA will therefore ask urgent questions to both the Departments of Rural Development and Land Reform and Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as to:
 

• Whether extension services support officers conducted any oversight over the Rietspruit farm;
• What were the conditions observed by them on the farm during said visit; and
• What recommendations/services were provided to support the appropriate functioning of the farm.

 
Appropriate support must be given to all emerging farmers. Land reform cannot be allowed to fail due to government’s inability to support emerging farmers.
 
The DA will continue to monitor conditions of the farm closely.