MEC Meth inspects farms’ compliance to the COVID-19 lockdown regulations
MEC Nomakhosazana Meth emphasis the importance of social distancing as a means to curb the spread of COVID-19.
With the agricultural sector declared as an essential service, the MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform has taken a drive to visit commercial farms as well as small-scale farmer’s adherence and compliance to the COVID 19 regulations.
With regulations outlined and published in the amendment to the Disaster Management Act of 2002 that have been put in place as the South African government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, farms are required to comply whilst food production for food security is less affected. These regulations apply to the ways in which farms are expected to operate during the country’s lockdown period.
MEC was happy with the reports from workers confirming compliance by their employers. The report given by workers included the manner in which farm workers were transported and the precautions taken to ensure their health and safety during COVID 19.
MEC Meth said, “The manner in which this farm complies with COVID 19 regulations is impressive. They have appreciated the contribution of masks and sanitizers we have brought as addition from the department”
The MEC further joined workers as they were busy with fruit picking (harvesting).