Livestock losses hit N$4m

The unexpected rains, low temperatures and flash floods that struck the south last Monday night killed more than 4 109 goats and sheep valued at an estimated N$4.1 million.While many animals died of the cold, farmers also reported stock losses as a result of flash floods that swept animals away. The extent of the damage to infrastructure reported on many farms has not been determined yet. Efforts are being made to assist the stricken farmers where possible, with pledges being made from within Namibia and beyond its borders. Several Rehoboth livestock farmers have decided to team up with Namboer Auctioneers to assist where possible. Piet Coetzee of Namboer, who lost 160 stud sheep on farm Aukakam in the Rehoboth area, said while his losses were extensive, he could continue but many other farmers needed a hand to stay afloat. He said Namboer would make its auction kraals available for donated livestock to be cared for until they can be distributed to those most in need. He added that Christian Lemcke from Botswana had donated N$30 000, which would be used to buy stock at the next livestock auction, which would be donated to the affected farmers. A farmer from Newcastle in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province has also pledged to donate small stock to help the Namibian farmers. Frans Fish of the Rehoboth Farmers' Association, who is helping coordinate the distribution of donated livestock, said although he experienced no losses this time, he knows what it feels like. “We need to help get the farmers back on their feet.” He said many farmers are donating animals from far and wide. “Farmers from as far afield as Hochfeld are sending animals. Namibian farmers have begun to open their hearts, and to help where they can. There have been donations of lucerne, grass and livestock.” Many farmers suffered extensive losses. Sandra Groenewaldt, a farmer near Groot Aub, reported 450 dead animals, while Dirk van Wyk lost 310 animals. Donald Mostert lost 208 livestock. Mostert, whose farm is situated 60km from Kalkrand, said it rained almost all of Monday night and temperatures were freezing. “The sheep stood in an enclosure, some died of exposure and others died from being trampled,” he said. He said the loss of 208 head of small stock did not even include the number of lambs that died, adding that around 108 surviving lambs were now orphans. “I now need to try and get them through the next months, which means I need to purchase milk because they can't feed yet,” he added.

Livestock losses hit N$4m

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-28

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Livestock losses hit N$4m

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-28

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