KwaZulu-Natal farmers are counting the costs of their losses following last week's snow storm that blanketed the Midlands and Free State.
Severe snow fell from last Friday to Sunday and caused significant road disruptions in the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape, as well as the loss of life.
For farmers, the loss of livestock and damages to crops tallied many thousands of rand.
Zinto Nxele, a goat farmer in Tugela Ferry in the Msinga Municipality, lost 12 goats last Saturday due to the cold and rain.
He said the loss amounts to over R30 000.
"Of the 200 goats on the kraal, 12 died. It was bitterly cold and these animals are sensitive to cold. It is unusual for us to have such cold conditions in this area which is generally hot for most parts of the year. We don't get snow in areas close to us. This was the first time. These goats could've died from pneumonia.
"Neighbouring farmers also lost cattle,“ he said.
Mbongeni Sikhakhane, chairperson of the African Farmers' Association of South Africa (AFASA), said last week's weather had a devastating effect on farmers in KZN, affecting both commercial and small-scale farmers.
"It was a huge disaster. Farmers lost crops, livestock and chickens. And there are predictions of more bad weather. As small-scale farmers, we are depending on the government to help us. Most don't have insurance.
"A large number of the small-scale farmers live in deep rural areas and are not aware of the weather warnings so that they can be prepared," said Sikhakhane.
Snenhlanhla Mngadi, who represents AFASA's women farmers, received reports from their members of their greenhouse structures being damaged and crops ruined.
"Some lost cattle due to the snow. These farmers cannot pay for insurance because the money that they make is used to feed their families," she said.
Vusi Zuma, spokesperson at KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said they were collecting information from the various farming districts that were affected by heavy snowfalls.
“We have received reports of incidents. We are working with farmers associations to collate information,” said Zuma.