Farmers are losing their livestock due to snake encounters.

Bongani Dladla

Every day, farmers in my community who sell livestock are experiencing losses due to a snake that is attacking their animals. They believe this snake originates from the mine dam tailings located next to their farms.

Some farmers affected by the snake are relocating their livestock, leading to job losses among farm workers. As farm owners move their livestock, unemployment in the community is increasing.

Mandla Dlamini, a farm owner, has lost eight cows to this snake. He now lives in fear, unsure of where to go next. Mandla is considering selling his livestock at auction and closing his farm because of the constant threat posed by the snake.

Chris, a former farm worker, also lost his job due to the snake’s impact. When the farm owner decided to relocate, Chris’s job was lost as well. Many farm workers are facing similar job losses.

If the municipality could provide snake rescuers or snake catchers to protect our livestock and community, especially our children who play outside, it would greatly help. This support could ensure the safety of our livestock and our community as a whole.