North West farmers count losses after heavy rains

The heavy rainfall is negatively affecting harvest on North West crops

Some farmers in Ventersdorp, North West, say the recent torrential rains have negatively affected their crops. This means harvest will also be affected at the beginning of next year.

57-year-old Jeff Nong who has a grape farm is now counting his losses.

“The damage was caused by heavy rains including the hail. The rain did not cause that much damage but the hail caused more damages,” says Nong.

He says there is nothing that can be harvested and there is no promise of harvesting during January 2026 or February.

WATCH | The South African Weather Service has forecast above-average rainfall across most parts of the country this summer. Rainfall is expected on Christmas Day, continuing into the new year. pic.twitter.com/8GnxAuZT6n

— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 18, 2025

“This is the problem that I have now. This should not have happened,” he adds.

Meanwhile, above normal rains have been predicted in the next few days for some provinces, including the North West.

“These cooling changes global wind and weather patterns. It typically brings above normal summer rainfall to the north eastern parts of South Africa such as Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga KwaZulu Natal, parts of North West and Free State,” says Forecaster Jackie Modika.

WATCH | Here’s the latest weather forecast for today and the coming days with SABC News meteorologist Phemelo Zonke. For more news and updates, go to https://t.co/TS6YUmN424. pic.twitter.com/Y1SrNrygea

— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 19, 2025