Battered by drought, Eastern Cape farmers are desperate after aerial spraying was grounded as a locust plague sweeps across the province, leaving a trail of destruction.
Zandisile Luphahla
People should just chase the insects away - and switch off outside lights.
The locusts spawn after heavy rains and wreak havoc on vegetation.
Residents of Northern Cape towns have been asked not to panic over clouds of brown locusts passing through the area.
People are requested chase away the insects and to switch off outside lights.
The towns most affected are Upington, Kimberley, De Aar, Prieska, Kuruman, Springbok and Kathu.
The locusts tend to congregate around houses and sports fields.
In one instance, locusts swarmed around a children s soccer game.
Agriculture MEC Mase Manopole said the locusts are not harmful to humans, but can destroy vegetation.