Drought not officially yet – ministry

While Namibia has not officially declared a drought yet, a report is currently being compiled to guide government's next steps.

Agriculture spokesperson Jona Musheko said this in response to a post placed on social media by Ruben Lambrechts, who identified himself as a farmer and claimed that Namibia is facing a natural disaster due to poor rainfall this season.

He warned that thousands of animals face starvation.

“This is another chance-taker. This is obviously a scam. Government has not declared drought officially apart from statements made by political leaders,” said Musheko.

‘A few bucks’

Lambrechts claimed in his post that thousands of farmers have been left without access to sufficient food for their animals or enough grazing.

He pleaded for funding, saying that “even a few bucks will help tremendously" to fill up a fund he is partnering with.

He said the drought relief fund aims to support farmers with donations of lucerne, grass and supplements.

“But the funds are drying up as quickly as the land, so I have attached banking details... if you feel the need to help save the animals from dying a gruesome death.”

Musheko said their drought relief funds are deposited into a government account upon declaration by government, not into personal accounts.