Public cautioned against harvesting grass without permits

Authorities at the department said they are faced with a challenge of people who continue to harvest grass without acquiring harvesting permits. Government commercialised harvesting of thatching grass under the Agricultural Resources Conservation Act of 1974 due to its increasing demand.

A price for veldt products general permits for citizens cost P2 while for dealers permits are issued at P50.  Chief Forestry and Range Resources officer (Division of Conservation and Management) Sonny Mokgwathi said the harvesting season for thatching grass has been limited to a specific period from July 15 to October 20. He said this decision is in pursuit of sustainable management and conservation by encouraging sustainable practice, which involves cutting the grass after the shedding of seeds after it has dried up.