Public cautioned against harvesting grass without permits
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Tuesday August 15, 2017 17:04
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.
Mokgwathi said the increased demand for thatching grass has posed a potential threat to resources such as motshikiri, tshiktshane, mokamakama and seloka, which are mostly used for thatching houses in rural areas and bigger structures like lodges because of their appealing appearance design.
“Harvesters are encouraged to always source permits, take care of the environment by clearing the area around their fire places. They are also requested to always adhere to regulations and or conditions stipulated on the permits,” he said.
Mokgwathi also said they issued 3,300 permits to 253 dealers and 3,047 to harvesters during the 2016/17 grass harvesting and dealing season. This generated revenue of P19,494.
However, he lamented that some beneficiaries do not disclose revenue generated from veldt products while others sell these commodities without the dealer’s permit.Meanwhile, the department’s acting deputy director, Gabagomotse Mafoko said those who do not comply with the regulations for harvesting will be dealt with accordingly.
In an interview, Mafoko said if one is caught harvesting or dealing without a permit, or has given a false statement to obtain a harvester’s or dealer’s permit, he/she is liable to a fine of P1,000 or imprisonment term of one year or both.