Eastern Cape government feeds Madiba's dying cattle

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The Eastern Cape government fed starving cattle at former president Nelson Mandela's homestead in Qunu.

The Sunday Times reports that the department of rural development employed vets and provided food to save a herd of 96 cattle that were in danger of dying of starvation.

The newspaper says the department vaccinated, dehorned and castrated some of the cattle, to keep the herd at manageable numbers.

Farm manager Siyakudumisa Gabada was quoted as saying the situation on the farm was extremely difficult and worrying as there was not enough grass for them to graze.

Chief Mandla Mandela reportedly acknowledged the farm's situation and said his family was looking into possible solutions.

Rural development MEC, Mlibo Qoboshiyane told the paper he was concerned that the department had to return to the farm.

According to the report, late former president Nelson Mandela stated in his will that the farming operations in Qunu should continue.