Several access routes remain closed, including Michell’s Pass to Ceres and sections of the R62 in the Langkloof region. Freight is being rerouted via the Touws River to the N1, increasing logistics costs for producers and exporters.
According to Mariette Kotze, road closures between Worcester and Villiersdorp, as well as the Franschhoek Pass, continue to disrupt supply chains.
“These impacts could put food security at risk for these communities. Shops are closed or operate on a cash-only basis. Without internet and electricity, people cannot access funds.”
Electricity outages remain one of the main operational challenges. Calla du Toit said Ceres experienced four consecutive days without power, with full restoration expected to take several weeks.
“The greatest crisis facing our production regions is the lack of electricity.”
Cold storage and packing operations have also been affected. According to the report, Ceres Fruit Growers is using diesel generators to maintain cold rooms while packing lines remain inactive.
The storm system also damaged orchards and production infrastructure across multiple fruit regions. Charl Herbst reported widespread destruction affecting bridges, roads, packhouses, pump stations, orchards, machinery, and worker housing.
“It appears as though the entire Western Cape is staggering under the impact of the storm damage.”
The stone fruit sector was already facing pressure from lower export returns and logistics issues linked to the Port of Cape Town.
“The primary reason for the poor prices this season has been inefficiency and poor management at the Cape Town harbour.”
Early assessments from the Elgin-Grabouw-Vyeboom-Villiersdorp region indicate that around 50 per cent of the Cripps Red apple crop has been lost. Damage to orchard netting and support structures was also reported.
In the Langkloof, producers reported rainfall exceeding 1,000 mm within several days. According to Neil-Pierre Strydom, road collapses, landslides, and damaged dams are expected to affect water storage and logistics.
Meanwhile, authorities stated that major national routes, including the N1 and N2, have reopened and are operating near normal capacity. Western Cape MEC Anton Bredell said around 62 per cent of affected electricity areas have now been reconnected, while recovery and humanitarian operations continue across the province.
Source : freshplaza
