According to the department changes in the weather patterns and recent rainfalls in the Province had led to the outbreak.
A brown locust outbreak has been detected in the ZF Mgcawu and Pixley ka Seme districts.
Spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform Zandisile Luphahla said brown locust swarms were spotted in Upington, Poffader, Marydale, Langklip and Groblershoop.
“In the Pixley ka Seme district, the brown locusts were seen in Niekerkshoop, Sutherland and Richmond.”
Luphahla stated that changes in the weather patterns and recent rainfalls in the Province had led to the outbreak.
“We are expecting more outbreaks in other districts, as the Province has received good rains in the past few weeks.”
He added that a team of locust controllers with the assistance from the national Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development were dispatched to control the spread, under strict Covid-19 regulations in the affected areas and nearby farms.
“We call on land owners to corporate with our controlling teams by allowing them access to their premises for a smooth control of the swarm.”
He called upon members of the public and farmers to report any visibility of these swam in their areas to the following departmental officials, Mulalo Matodzi on 083 326 7773, Vuyokazi Mpumlwana on 084760 8176 and Dr Ikalafeng Kgakatsi on 072 198 9882.
