TimesLive reports that the Western Cape is facing a jobs bloodbath, with 50‚000 workers in the agriculture sector in the region estimated to be in line to lose their jobs due to the drought.
During a presentation to Parliament on Wednesday‚ head of the Western Cape local government ministry, Graham Paulse, painted a grim picture of the agricultural sector. In his report‚ he stated that the layoffs could lead to social and humanitarian problems and, in addition, many might move to the Cape Town metro or other towns to find work. “[The Impact on agriculture] is significant ...in Ceres‚ 50% less onions have been planted and 50% less potatoes have been planted. That is a direct result of the water shortages in that area with an estimated loss of about R40-million in wages to agri workers‚” Paulse indicated. The factory in Lutzville that makes puree out of tomatoes has closed for the season. Deciduous fruit farmers expect a 20% smaller crop and the smaller fruit will yield lower profits. The wine industry‚ seen as one of the key economic drivers in the province‚ has also not been spared.
- Read this report by Aphiwe Deklerk in full at TimesLive
- Read too, Work drying up in Western Cape drought, at News24
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page