Next to our warehouse we have a train line that is used a few times a week by the local brewery and a few other companies. Today there was something I have never seen before with a herd of cattle being guided down the railway line. We are literally 3 km from a town center and within 2km of residential property. There is no farm land anywhere close by yet this herd had to have been larger than 60 cows.
Over the last few years this has become quite common seeing cattle roaming freely close to the town/industrial center grazing on what vegetation they can find. This is not what I would consider normal and I guess they use the railway tracks as a route in and out avoiding the roads.
20 or 30 years ago this was common to see in the rural areas, but never in built up residential areas and is possibly a sign of the times with the demographics changing. I would guess these are foreigners and not locals because who would bring cattle in to feed on the grass in empty plots of land or children's parks.
Driving in rural South Africa has it's dangers with unattended animals roaming freely next to National Highways. We had a lucky escape a few years back when I avoided a cow on the toll Road between Johannesburg and Durban. I will ever forget this as thankfully I had a brand new set of tires fitted the week before. Whilst avoiding the cow the car went sideways down the freeway losing the trailer we were towing in the process, but we never rolled. The insurers doing the claim were shocked we were claiming only for 4 new tires and no other damage. The tires were down to the canvas and this was a very lucky escape.
I just hope this is not a sign of a new trend happening with livestock coming into the area as the roads are bad enough without having to worry about cattle on the loose. I am not that happy seeing this today as it is only a matter of time before they are grazing down the road full time. The rule as far as I know is that you are liable to replace the animal if you happen to kill one even if it should not have been there.
When I was living in England the police shut down the freeways for any obstruction and one time closed down the M23 because a sheep had found it's way onto the middle island of the freeway. Here they see that as prime grazing land and it is up to you to pay attention and drive accordingly.
Hitting a cow or horse whilst travelling at speed is never going to end well for both parties and is another reason to not drive at night between cities as you just never know what to expect. Africa may be a beautiful place to visit, but there are local customs you need to be fully aware of especially when driving.
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