Protecting our livestock is our responsibility

Tshepo Tsie

A few meters from the Voelpan Dam, right outside of Nyakallong, is where you’ll find Masakeng (kraals). The Nyakallong community has kept their animals in Masakeng for many years, and they still do now. The majority of the animals drink water from the Voelpan, which contains hazardous chemicals due to the dam. The majority of them do drink that water when there isn’t any in the kraal.

Numerous hazardous substances, including copper, arsenic, radon, and uranium, are extremely detrimental to all living beings including animals. Two cows were reported dead in Masakeng on August 19, 2024. Mr Makhotla ordered the owner of the cattle to keep thorough records on their animals, but there was no proof that the two cows’ deaths were caused by the poisonous water they drank. The owners of livestock are requesting that the government relocate them to an alternative place for the safety of their animals.