Order! Hon Minister, unfortunately your time has expired.
The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: I shall continue and conclude when I respond. Thank you, hon Chairperson. [Applause.]
Chairperson, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, comrades and fellow South Africans, on this day, 17 June 2009, we shall salute the youth of South Africa for the bravery they demonstrated, in most instances, with bare hands, fearlessly challenging the cowardly apartheid security forces which were armed to the teeth and which maimed and killed innocent young people, the future of our country. Long live the undying spirit of the June 16 detachment. Long live!
HON MEMBERS: Long live!
It is fitting that we dedicate this Budget Vote debate to these young gallant warriors of our land for without their sacrifices, at times supreme, both enemies and friends of our liberation wouldn't be enjoying the freedoms we are enjoying today, let alone abusing them. They continue to live in squalor; unemployed, living sick lives. In short, they are heroes of yesteryears but now find themselves absolutely marginalised.
Comrades, I know that it would be better that we're late than sorry in our interventions. Together we must do something through Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Together we must prioritise this class of June 16 in all programmes that we continue to be engaged in, always and everywhere.
Lest we forget where the policies we are implementing originated from, both our enemies and friends born 54 years ago at the Congress of the People ...
Hhayi lomkokotelo esiwubonayo kulamalanga. [Ihlombe.][Not the fakes that we see these days. [Applause.]]
The Freedom Charter progressively continues to instruct us: "The land shall be shared among those who work it! ... the land redivided amongst those who work it to banish famine and land hunger."
The Commander in Chief of our country, President Zuma, in his address at the launch of the people's manifesto in January 2009, further reminded us that, I quote: "Lasting victory over poverty and hunger require the creation of sustainable livelihoods."
The Commander-in-Chief, upon being inaugurated, reminded all of us of the commitments we pledged to our people and to the world, among others, that "For as long as there are rural dwellers unable to make a decent living from the land on which they live ... we shall not rest, and we dare not falter" in our drive to eradicate poverty.
These are not scarecrows or wishful ideas, for we have already seen these messages translated into activity plans by some of us in our respective responsibilities. Indeed, the time for laziness and complacency must be over, especially among officials of government. It must be about business unusual, for we have engaged a new gear towards our drive for a better life for all. If you cannot drive, or you are hiding behind your contract of employment, you'd better think trice this time around. Ours is an oversight role that must ensure that the department delivers on its mandate, "Food for all", and that it contributes its part of creating jobs for all.
Agriculture accounts for 3% of GDP, with its role in the export of nongold products standing at 8% to 10%. In the formal employment sector, agriculture accounts for 10%. Most of these figures are derived from the grain and meat subsectors in agriculture.
Whilst this must be encouraged, we must not lose sight of the role that horticulture plays and can play in further boosting this sector of our economy. The research results of a Harvard panelist report points us precisely in this direction. The empirical evidence does show us, therefore, that for every hectare in the cut flower industry, 20 jobs are created, whilst in the seasonal citrus fruit industry, 60 to 80 jobs are created for every 20 hectares.
Comrade Minister, targets of this nature and more are critical towards achieving President Zuma's instruction of creating no less than 500 000 jobs by December this year.
Whilst all this is expected to be done without excuses, support must be readily available. With regard to the redistributed land, post-settlement support is urgent for us as a nation to address. As part of creating sustainable livelihoods, partnerships must be created across the board.
In our townships, homes and schools we must be able to harness these partnerships in making use of unused ground towards engaging in plantation activities. At the same time, especially in farming communities, each school must have agriculture as a subject, Minister, so that when these learners go on vacation, they are able to make good use of their education at these homes and schools.
Our patriotic established farmers have a role to play in partnerships and joint ventures with emerging farmers. This becomes a shift in focus from a mentoring programme.
Having interacted with AgriSA's Mr Mller and Mr Van der Merwe in the past two days, I have confidence that, together with the established sector in agriculture, we can do more in such partnerships. They are here among us. I would imagine they should be able to attest to this.
Finance remains a sore point in the agriculture industry. The capped R100 000 per project of the Micro-Agricultural Finance Initiative of South Africa's - Mafisa - remains a drop in the ocean for a hungry black farmer. Minister, a moratorium must be imposed on the Land Bank's ongoing attachments and repossessions of poor black farmers' assets as a matter of urgency. [Applause.]
Apart from such barbaric acts by the Land Bank - as if that is not enough, for a developmental finance institution - they continue to charge prime plus 4% interest expected in repayment in the first month of a loan. This puts the bank in direct competition with commercial banks, rather than serving its developmental mandate of growing this poor sector of our economy. [Interjections.] We are progressive here and we all want to be seen as progressive. Perhaps we need to engage here as to whether it isn't time that we return this fully staffed bank with all its capacities to the Department of Agriculture.
Lastly, with regard to finance, through the Co-operative Banks Act, small farmers must indeed begin to form their own co-operative banks. With a proper road and rail infrastructure, we shall indeed be faster and more efficient in delivering produce to distribution points, whether for local or export market purposes.
Whilst we cry foul about not being competitive, such basics must be put in place to avoid situations like the one we have in the Eastern Cape, where a budget has not been was approved since last year for a road from Patensie to Hankey. As we speak, the road still hasn't been built.
In conclusion, at the centre of all of these initiatives there must be an engagement of yesteryears' and today's youth, for we shall be investing in the future of our nation. I quote again: "For as long as there are rural dwellers unable to make a decent living from the land on which they live ... we shall not rest, and we dare not falter" in our drive to eradicate poverty. The ANC supports Budget Vote 23. Thank you, Chair. [Applause.]
Agb Voorsitter, agb Minister en Adjunkminister, agb lede van hierdie Raad, primre boerdery is lankal reeds 'n waardetoevoegingskakel in die voedselproduksieproses.
Hierdie proses is, met vryer handel en mededinging in 'n globale markomgewing, aan al hoe meer invloede en vereistes onderhewig wat deur boere, hulle insetverskaffers, voedselprosesseerders en bemarkers in 'n vennootskapsverhouding verstaan moet word. Die staat speel ook 'n belangrike rol om suksesvolle ontwikkeling en mededingendheid te verseker. Die rol wat spelers in die waardeketting speel om pryse vir die verbruiker te verhoog, moet ernstig oor toesig gehou word.
Infrastruktuur en diensverskaffing moet koste-effektiwiteit verseker. Navorsing en regulatoriese ondersteuning moet volhoubaarheid, mededingendheid en voldoening aan omgewings- en verbruikersvereistes verseker.
Bowenal moet 'n beleidsbedeling vertroue inboesem, sodat rolspelers aangemoedig sal word om Suid-Afrika as die voorkeurbestemming vir investering te beskou.
Dit was met teleurstelling dat die primre landbouproduksie nie deur die Minister se department, by wyse van sy begrotingspos, as van die uiterste belang vir die land se ekonomiese groei en stabiliteit uitgesonder is nie. Die belangrikheid van die landbousektor as voedsel- en veselverskaffer, asook as werkgewer en verdiener van buitelandse valuta, is in die verlede nooit deur die ANC-regering ernstig opgeneem nie.
Die gesegde lui dat enige land wat sy landbou misken, uiteindelik tot mislukking gedoem is. Zimbabwe is 'n uitstekende voorbeeld hiervan. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows).
[Dr L L BOSMAN: Hon Chairperson, hon Minister and Deputy Minister and hon members of this Council, primary farming has been a value-added link for a long time in the food production process.
This process, with free trade and competition in a global market environment, is subject to more and more influences and requirements that need to be understood by farmers, their input suppliers, food processors and marketers in a partnership relationship. The state also plays an important role to ensure successful development and competition. The role of players in the value-chain to increase prices for the consumer should be under serious surveillance.
Infrastructure and service provision must ensure profitability. Research and regulatory support must ensure feasibility and competitiveness, and meeting the requirements of the environment and consumers.
Above all, a policy dispensation must instil confidence to encourage role- players to view South Africa as the preferred destination for investment.
It was disappointing to note that the Minister's department, through his Vote, did not deem primary agricultural production essential for the economic growth and stability of the country. In the past the ANC has never paid serious attention to the importance of the agricultural sector as food producer, employer and earner of foreign exchange.
There is a saying that any country that undervalues its agriculture, will ultimately be doomed to failure. Zimbabwe is a sterling example of this.]
Hon Minister, the DA supports a united, competitive, profitable and sustainable agricultural sector in South Africa. We believe that it is critical for our food security, and that South Africa needs to be the food exporter that it once was.
Apart from ensuring South Africa's food security, the primary agricultural sector is one of the largest employers in the country. According to Statistics SA 2007, it currently employs a workforce of 796 000, consisting of just under 432 000 full-time and 365 000 part-time workers, or 8,8% of the total workforce. It is in this context that we can support some of the goals of the Department of Agriculture's Medium-Term Strategic Framework, and I quote, "... to promote agricultural productivity and profitability through the identification of opportunities, sustainable use and protection of land, water and genetic resources and infrastructure development, to ensure household food security".
However, with the greater emphasis - as we have just heard - on transformation issues and a lack of focus first and foremost on the economic viability of the sector, I am afraid to say that this will be difficult to achieve.
As a result of government's confrontational stance towards commercial agriculture, we have seen huge disinvestment and a decline in employment, as well as an exodus of producers from this important sector. The threats from government to do away with the willing-buyer, willing-seller principle and the now shelved Expropriation Bill also certainly contributed to the decline in investor confidence. We cannot afford to repeat these mistakes.
Some of the challenges that we now face to restore confidence and improve production are the following. Government must have a clear regulatory framework based on the free-market system to regulate and enhance investment in the sector. As early as 1961, Johnston and Mellor argued that agriculture could make important contributions to the structural transformation of economies. For example, it could provide labour, capital, foreign exchange and food for the growing industrial and urban sectors, as well as a market for domestically produced industrial goods.
A further challenge for agricultural growth and development is not only to produce more food, but also to create employment and thus income for poor people inside and outside of the sector. The declining contribution of agriculture to overall gross domestic product is frequently misinterpreted as a decline in its role in the country's economy.
However, agriculture's real value to the economy is embedded in several other, not so obvious, economic functions. These include agriculture's forward and backward linkages, its ability to earn foreign exchange, its employment ability and its role as provider of food for the nation.
As far as transformation is concerned, we will have to overhaul the failure of our land reform programmes by ensuring that the new land reform beneficiaries have adequate post-settlement financial and other support. We need to identify people with an interest in farming. We need to train them and have proper mentorship programmes with former landowners to ensure a smooth skills transfer.
The department's extension services have completely collapsed in the past, and needs to be rejuvenated as a matter of urgency. I took note, with interest, of the department's extension recovery plan, which is reported to have recruited 384 extension personnel, trained 1 200 officers in generic, technical and computer skills, and provided ICT equipment to a further 1 230 personnel.
With my experience in this field, I believe that the extension services should be strengthened by commodity-based mentorships, through which great successes have been achieved in the past. I am, therefore, pleased that agreements have been signed with 11 commodity organisations to support the development of emerging farmers.
More money will also have to be put into research and development, as well as into the use of biotechnology to its fullest possible extent to enable producers to increase production.
The impact of climate change - and you also referred to this, Minister - and droughts on production and food security should be recognised. The availability of water of good quality is becoming more important for maintaining production.
Rainfall is unevenly distributed, and South Africa is periodically affected by severe droughts. We will have to focus on strategies to mitigate the adverse impact, especially on water availability and adapted plant biodiversity.
Proper management of natural disasters is critical for the long- term sustainability of this sector. We need to accelerate the promulgation of a disaster management Act. Currently, the management of disaster aid is ad hoc and it takes far too long to be implemented.
We also need to revisit our trade and tariff policy in order to align it with the policy space allowed for in the Doha round of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, agreements in order to make sure that our local production remains competitive and profitable. Market access is of vital importance for small-scale producers to secure adequate prices for their products.
Daar is 'n behoefte aan 'n landbouhandelsbeleid wat beter na Suid-Afrika se belange sal omsien. Dit sal 'n beleid wees wat balans moet teweegbring tussen die vraagstuk van voedselbekostigbaarheid, enersyds en die meriete daarvan om die effek van onregverdige owerheidsondersteunde invoermededinging, met toepaslike invoertariewe, te neutraliseer.
Beleidsvoorstelle hiervoor is geruime tyd gelede reeds gedoen, maar dit word nie prakties toegepas nie, vanwe 'n gesloer op regeringsvlak. Om toereikende beskerming teen gesubsidieerde mededinging te vra, is vir seker nie onbillik nie. Deur dit nie toe te staan nie, benadeel die regering investering in plaaslike produksie wat sou kon bydra tot beter voedselsekerheid, werkskepping, landelike ontwikkeling en selfs uitvoere.
Uit ervaring blyk dit in elk geval dat voedselinvoere nie laer voedselpryse tot gevolg het nie. Is die gesloer met die toepassing van die aanbeveelde beleid nie 'n voorbeeld van waar sogenaamde sosiaal maatskaplike voordele voorrang bo ekonomiese ontwikkelingsgeleenthede geniet nie? (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[There is a need for an agricultural trade policy that will serve the interests of South Africa better. The policy will strike a balance between the question of the affordability of food, on the one hand, and the merit of neutralising the effect of unfair government-supported import competition supported by government with appropriate import tariffs, on the other.
Policy proposals in this regard were submitted a long time ago, but not practically implemented, because of delays on government level. It is certainly not unjust to request sufficient protection against subsidised competition. By not granting this, government is damaging investment in local production that could have contributed to improved food security, job creation, rural development and even exports.
Experience seems to show us that food imports do not lead to lower food prices in any case. Is the delay with the implementation of the recommended policy not an example of where so-called social benefits are given priority above economic development opportunities?]
South Africa is currently a signatory to various trade agreements other than those with the World Trade Organisation. Most notable of these are the Southern African Customs Union, the Southern African Development Community and the South Africa-European Union Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement.
South Africa, within the ambit of Sacu, is also currently in the process of negotiating various different bilateral trade agreements. This raises the question as to how much trade policy space South Africa actually has for its agricultural sector.
A study by Sandrey et al in 2007 provides answers to this question. They conducted research to assess the amount of policy space that is actually available to extend tariff protection to South African agriculture, and concluded that although, in general, space available is limited, 19% of all imports have some policy space subject to WTO tariff rate quotas, or the so- called TRQs.
The agricultural trade development strategy basically addresses the four pillars of trade intervention, that is trade support, tariffs to be part of a development policy, regulatory support, and bilateral and multilateral negotiations as instruments to improve market access. It is, therefore, in my opinion, necessary to implement a trade and tariff policy for South Africa to give substance to the above issues.
In conclusion, the DA looks forward towards a more co-operative relationship with the Minister and her department in order to take agriculture development, food security and our country forward. I thank you. [Applause.]
Chairperson, hon Minister and Deputy Minister, hon members and esteemed guests, agriculture in Africa can become the backbone of economic development. A mere 10 years ago, the extent of agricultural production in South Africa was a high and significant portion of GDP. Given the booming economic times, one would have expected this trend to grow. But it did not.
Linked directly to the sloppy manner in which agricultural support was rolled out, it became clear that there was no plan to maintain the high productivity levels despite the change of ownership of agricultural land. This is a sad and sorry state of affairs, given the levels of poverty in our country.
Sadly, our country is not the only one. The collapse of agriculture is the weak spot in many African economies. At a summit in Maputo in 2006, African countries committed themselves to ensuring that at least 10% of their national budgets were allocated to agriculture, given agriculture's multiplier effect on the economy and its undergirding significance in ensuring food security - matters that stand between the perpetual hunger of our people and a more prosperous and healthy life.
Needless to say, years later many countries, including our country, don't even exceed 4% on average of their national budget, with a shocking 1% allocated to agriculture, including land affairs. With this kind of undercapitalisation of agriculture, the chances of elevating its intervention in the economy to its full potential are very slim. Hon Minister, this has to change if we are serious about using agriculture to fight poverty.
At the same meeting it was acknowledged that Africa's agricultural challenges could be summed up as follows: undercapitalisation of agriculture, as already referred to; inadequate use of mechanical and agro chemicals; and inadequate investment in irrigation schemes and technology, as well as low land and labour productivity. Where is the master plan to make sure that South Africa tackles all these challenges?
Cope believes that there is a need for an emergency plan to ensure that agricultural interventions become the pillar of how this government shields ordinary people from the effects of the recession and makes them part of a sustainable development plan to use agriculture to get out of poverty and hunger.
Hon Minister, for years South Africans have been hearing phrases such as "agrarian reform" and "agrarian revolution". As South Africans, we are yet to taste the fruits despite many seasons of wait.
We have noted some of the initiatives to give our people a head start with household-based agricultural interventions, especially in rural areas. While this is obviously commendable, it is highly inadequate in the absence of increased agricultural officers to handle the increased load of people who will now be needing assistance at household level to start their own household-based subsistence farming.
Parliament must interrogate this aspect more when the department implements the idea further. Investment in community-shared irrigation systems must become part of this plan. It is no longer viable just to introduce miniscule initiatives that speak to individual food gardens. Initiatives that get communities to maintain and produce surplus for sale could create jobs and increase the potential of viable agricultural enterprises.
One of the most immediate impacts of the recession on our people is the high food prices. The matter goes to the heart of the fight against hunger. Cope supports a full investigation by the SA Competition Commission into any collusion by the big four retailers to inflate food prices. In the face of a recession we believe that this would be most immoral and that these businesses should be brought to book and made to be part of a solution to fight hunger and not to exacerbate it.
There must be a way that government, through its procurement muscle, is able to force the hand of business to come to the party on the issue of lowering food prices. Interventions in the past to revise the tax regime for food need to be urgently examined to see how to lighten the weight for ordinary people who rely on certain staple foods to keep healthy.
If we link this to the high number of people on HIV and Aids medication who require proper nutrition for their medication to be effective, you would realise that, once again, the neglect in this area could militate against our intervention on combating diseases that are opportunistic when it comes to HIV and Aids, let alone stem the pandemic itself.
There is no doubt that there is a race against time in making agricultural reform part of the plan to fight poverty. Commercial farming, in which individuals and their families produce a surplus and sell or barter it for cash or other goods, whether on a small or large scale, is critical for rural development. The type of farming practised depends hugely on rainfall, soil type and local microclimates, and no commercial farming can take place without access to a market. The key to the development of country towns is the existence of commercial farming where the farmer, the farmworker and their families can source supplies and services and contribute to the life of the community. There is a need to examine very closely some form of agricultural processing to be part of the development.
The wood-processing plant in Ugie has brought about great development and created many jobs over a very short period. Small initiatives, such as weaving and brick-making, all help. A huge factor for development is if there is some form of tourist potential. This way, there is a link to possible exports in the future given the potential international exposure of such initiatives.
Recently, a huge amount of publicity was given to the fact that thousands of South African farmers would be seeking greener pastures in countries like the DRC. There is a reality that we have to face, given the uncertainty relating to land reform, that many farmers are looking at other options. We have to stem that tide. Even in the face of many black emerging farmers, it is important that we keep the skills of white farmers in our country from migrating.
Creative partnerships between established commercial farmers and emerging black farmers cannot be overemphasised. This process requires the speeding up of land reform and policy stability to enable proper planning and encourage more, and not less, investment. An important factor in this regard is the challenge to take stock of broad- based black economic empowerment in this sector. Simply allocating more funds to the programme is not the way to go. We need to assess what is in place since the adoption of the charter and how businesses in this industry are partnering with small and medium enterprises, how they are changing their procurement patterns given the recession and, more crucially, how enterprise development is taking root to ensure the transformation of the sector.
Cope strongly believes that only through a consistent enterprise development programme can the support given to emerging farmers be truly meaningful. This is the eye through which we have to assess the impact of BBBEE on agriculture. Issues of ownership and management control are crucial but become meaningless if farms are handed to people ... [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Hon Chairperson, hon Ministers and Deputy Ministers present here, hon members, our guests on the gallery, ladies and gentlemen, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, and I quote:
Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and wellbeing of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
The South African Bill of Rights reaffirms article 25(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, by stating in sections 26 and 27 that everyone has the right to have access to adequate housing, health care services, sufficient food and water, and social security. This also includes appropriate social assistance if one is unable to support oneself and one's dependants. Access to sufficient food is, therefore, a constitutional right of all South Africans.
At a national level, South Africa is a food-secure nation. This means that the country produces its main staple foods, exports its surplus food, and imports what it needs in order to meet its food requirements. Yet the picture at the level of households is very different. According to Statistics SA, around 35% of the total population, 14,3 million South Africans, are currently vulnerable to food insecurity. Women, children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Approximately 1,5 million children under the age of six are malnourished, and therefore stunted owing to a lack of proper nutrition. These figures were released by Statistics SA when measuring poverty in South Africa in 2000.
Hon Minister, what is food security? Food security exists when all people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. The World Food Summit of 1996 defined food security as existing when all people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life. This includes both physical and economic access to food that meets people's dietary needs, as well as their food preferences.
The three fundamental pillars of food security are the following: Food availability, sufficient quantities of food available on a consistent basis; food access, having sufficient resources to obtain appropriate foods for a nutritious diet; and food use, appropriate use based on knowledge of basic nutrition and care, as well as adequate water and sanitation. It is important that all three are explored when trying to address the problem of food insecurity in order to develop a holistic approach to the problem, especially at the level of the household.
What is household food security? Household food security is defined as access by all households at all times to adequate, safe and nutritious food for a healthy and productive life. Food security can thus be said to have two components: the ability to be self-sufficient in food production through own production; and accessibility to markets and the ability to purchase food items.
The threats to food security arise from a combination of factors which individually and collectively place food systems under stress. These include climatological, ecological, socioeconomic and political factors. These factors interact with market and access to credit, the availability and sustainability of technology, the terms of trade, pricing policies and other idiosyncratic factors to threaten food supply. It is worth noting that socioeconomic conditions are playing a more important role in food security or insecurity. While South Africa produces a sufficient amount of food, this in no way ensures food security at individual household level.
The prevalence of and causes of food security in South Africa are highest amongst the African population and rural households. The provinces with high stunting rates are also those provinces with large rural populations. Rural children and mothers with limited education are the most affected.
Poverty, lack of income or sustainable livelihoods and unemployment are among some of the main causes of food insecurity. It should be noted that given the history of inequality, South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies in the world. Income distribution in South Africa is among the most unequal in the world.
According to some experts, food insecurity does not only occur as a result of a shortage of food, but is also due to problems related to its distribution. Hence, there is the argument that even where there is plenty, hunger and malnutrition may still prevail.
Regarding the impact of food insecurity, if families are unable to grow or purchase enough food and social welfare nets are absent or ineffective, there may be hunger. This is the case in many South African societies. According to Mgijima, 1991, it is estimated that 39% of the South African population is vulnerable to food insecurity. Furthermore, 22% of all children under the age nine are stunted owing to chronic malnutrition. This has negative consequences for the children's development.
According to the National Food Consumption Survey of 2000, anaemia and marginal vitamin A status are widespread micronutrient deficiencies. Anaemia and marginal vitamin A status affect between 20% and 30% of young children. It is said further that malnutrition can lead to severe protein- energy deficiency conditions known as kwashiorkor or marasmus. Malnutrition can also lead to micronutrient deficiencies such as night blindness and cretinism.
When it comes to possible strategies to address food insecurity, it should be noted that although the social security - which will encompass comprehensive nutrition programmes targeting children and the vulnerable - is essential for dealing with challenges that the poor are facing, it is critical that strategies for addressing food insecurity be developed in order to address the problem.
These strategies may include, amongst other things, land reform and food security. There cannot be own production and household food security if households do not have access to land. Many rural people depend very much on wage incomes. Employment, in other words, is important in most rural areas. But, as farm jobs are slashed and poverty spreads and deepens, vulnerability to food insecurity also increases. Those who are able to work but are unemployed do not have access to any social welfare programmes and are very vulnerable to food insecurity. Such people could significantly reduce their vulnerability to food insecurity with access to land for own production and sales.
International experience also shows the importance of access to land and land reform in alleviating poverty and, hence, food security. For instance, the consequence of the Chinese land reform programme was that there was a fast reduction in income-based absolute poverty from roughly 60% before land redistribution to an average of approximately 6% to 11% in 1979 to 1981.
South Korea also experienced considerable improvement in livelihoods after land reform. The South Korean land reform programme resulted in 60% cultivation of the total land area and an improved Gini co-efficient of land redistribution from 0,729 to 0,384 between 1945 and 1965.
Hon Mabuza, please wrap up.
I will do so. Given the complex nature of food security, there is a need for complex, systemic and multisectoral approaches. [Interjections.] Thank you very much. Oh, it is a pity, hon Bosman, I didn't expect you to behave like that. [Interjections.]
Chairperson, hon Minister and Deputy Ministers, hon members and distinguished guests, firstly, I would like to congratulate the Minister on being appointed ...
Hon Cebekhulu, there is a point of order.
We all heard what the hon member said - that we must shut up. That is unparliamentarily. I must request you to ask her to withdraw please.
Deputy Chairperson, I needed to be given the time to say whatever I was saying, because I am learning and should not be interrupted because it was my maiden speech. Thank you.
Hon Mabuza, are you withdrawing?
I'm withdrawing without any attachments. Thank you very much. [Laughter.]
Thank you very much, hon Mabuza. Hon Cebekhulu, continue.
Firstly, I would like to congratulate the Minister on being appointed to this position. While agriculture has an important role to play in the economic and social development of South Africa, it has an especially important role to play with regard to the upliftment of emerging farmers and rural communities. I look forward to seeing you promoting emerging contractors and improving the plight of subsistence farming so as to ensure food security.
Farms that were purchased by government under its land reform programme were meant to improve the lives of those who were the beneficiaries of this land and to provide employment for those who were to work on the farms.
The reality, however, is that some of these farms are now unproductive and have been neglected. This not only has a negative effect on the lives of the beneficiaries and local communities, but also on food production and food security as these farms could have made a contribution in this regard.
One of the reasons for this sorry state is the lack of support, both technical and financial, for beneficiaries. Farming is an expensive exercise as you need equipment, fertilisers and chemicals, amongst other things. You also need to have the necessary skills to know, for example, how and when to plant your crops and how to plough and prepare your land. This support has not been forthcoming to emerging and small-scale farmers as well as to farmers who got farms from the land reform programmes, and this must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
The troubles with the Land Bank have been well documented. The efficient operation of this institution is very important to the success of the farming sector and the development of emerging and small-scale farmers. So, these troubles must be sorted out as soon as possible.
The relationship among farmers, the Land Claims Commission and this department is very important. This relationship must not be adversarial. There must be greater co-operation, and open and honest communication between the various role-players in the agricultural sector.
It is also important to realise that farmers have the skills needed to assist emerging farmers and beneficiaries of the land reform programme, so government and this department in particular must build a good working relationship and use the expertise of these farmers.
The development of rural agriculture is very important to the upliftment of our rural areas and we, in the IFP, believe that rural agriculture must be given greater attention. While I'm aware that rural agriculture is a line function for the provincial government, I would like also to ask the Minister if there'll be continual support in the form of conditional grants to provincial agricultural departments; and, if so, whether the monitoring and evaluation of the use of those funds is going to be given the highest priority.
The 2007-08 annual report of the Department of Agriculture, for example, shows that KwaZulu-Natal spent less than R3,5 million of the R68,3 million that it received as a conditional grant for the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme for the year ending 31 March 2008. This trend in underspending is not isolated as the annual report shows underspending of other grants by this province during the period under review. [Time expired.] Thank you, Chair. [Applause.]
Die ADJUNKMINISTER VAN LANDBOU, BOSBOU EN VISSERYE: Voorsitter, agb Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson, agb lede, ek wil begin deur hulde te bring aan mnr Tommie Marais, die hoof finansile beampte van die departement, wat onverwags gisteraand oorlede is en wat 'n groot rol in die departement gespeel het.
President Zuma se besluit om Grondsake en Landbou te skei het positiewe en negatiewe reaksie uitgelok. Net so het die President se aankondiging van sy Kabinet, en spesifiek die landbou-ministers, positiewe en negatiewe reaksie uitgelok. Die media se kommentaar daarop het gewissel van verbasing tot skok, maar ook lof. Kommentators was dit egter eens dat die President met die skeiding van die Departemente van Grondsake en Landbou, asook met sy keuses van ministers, 'n besliste boodskap aan die landbousektor, sowel as aan die hele Suid-Afrika, wou stuur.
Ek sien hierdie boodskap van die President as dat hy besef hoe belangrik 'n suksesvolle landbousektor vir die toekoms van Suid-Afrika is en dat ons oor politieke en ander grense heen genoeg met mekaar in gemeen het om saam hieraan te kan werk omdat die krisis in die landbou so ernstig is.
Dat die landbousektor voor vele probleme staan en dat die toekoms groot eise aan ons almal hier teenwoordig gaan stel, is nie te betwyfel nie. Ek het die aanstelling as adjunkminister na deeglike oorweging aanvaar, bewus van die groot eise wat dit gaan stel, asook die risiko's wat so 'n besluit inhou. Johan van Wyk, 'n oud-joernalis, maak my besluit nie makliker as hy in 12 Junie se Landbouweekblad 'n humoristiese artikel oor al die vorige oud-Ministers van Landbou skryf nie. Daarin het hy geskryf hoe landbouministers in Suid-Afrika glad nie baie lank hou nie. Volgens sy syfers het Suid-Afrika die afgelope 100 jaar iets meer as 30 landbouministers gehad en toon hy aan hoe hulle baie gou ongewild raak. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[The DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: Chairperson, hon Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson, hon members, I would like to start by paying homage to Mr Tommy Marais, chief financial officer of the department, who passed away suddenly last night and who played a major role in the department.
President Zuma's decision to separate Land Affairs and Agriculture has sparked off positive and negative reactions. Similarly, the President's announcement of his Cabinet, in particular of the Ministers of Agriculture, sparked off positive and negative reactions. Comments from the media varied from surprise to shock, but also praise. Commentators were, however, in agreement that with the separation of the Departments of Land Affairs and of Agriculture, as well as with his selection of Ministers, the President wanted to send a clear signal to the agricultural sector, as well as to the whole of South Africa.
I see in this message from the President that he realises how important a successful agricultural sector will be for the future of South Africa, and that we have enough in common across the political and other divides to be able to work on this together, because the crisis in agriculture really is serious.
That the agricultural sector is faced with many problems and that the future will make stiff demands on all of us gathered here cannot be denied. After thorough consideration I accepted the appointment as Deputy Minister, realising the big demands it will make, as well as the inherent risks. Johan van Wyk, a former journalist, has not made my decision any easier with his humoristic article in the Landbouweekblad of 12 June about all the previous ministers of agriculture. He has described how in South Africa Ministers of Agriculture do not last very long. According to his figures South Africa has had a little over 30 Ministers of Agriculture in the past 100 years and he has shown how they became unpopular very quickly.]
The agricultural challenges to this country are ever-increasing, as influential international events and urgent local demands have to be addressed. The worldwide financial crises resulted in slowing economic growth, not only in industrial countries, but also in developing countries. When factors such as global climate change and input costs are taken into account, high demands are placed on the various agricultural role-players in order to continue attaining objectives, such as food security, lower food prices and the establishment of emerging farmers in the coming few years.
Although agriculture only contributes 3% to the GDP, it remains one of the largest contributors to employment provision in this country's total economy. According to calculations, 8,5 million people are directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture for employment and income, requiring careful and responsible decision-making in order to ensure a balanced and healthy agricultural sector. A successful agricultural sector remains a key priority for South Africa in addressing all these issues.
The World Trade Atlas of 18 February 2009 released the preliminary value of South Africa's total agriculture exports as amounting to R45,3 billion in 2008, which is an increase of 51% from 2007. The preliminary agricultural imports were R39 billion for 2008, an increase of nearly 31% from 2007. The resulting agricultural trade surplus was R6,3 billion for 2008.
These statistics point to a high export of primary produce and a high import of processed food, therefore, indicating an opportunity to develop our beneficiation industries. This becomes an opportunity for entrepreneurs to venture into agro-processing, creating their own jobs and at the same time beginning to absorb labour. An important part of our mission is to ensure the availability of and access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food.
Addressing a meeting of the World Affairs Council of Northern California in San Francisco, Dr Jacques Diouf, as Director-General Food and Agriculture of the UN said:
In the next few decades, a major international effort is needed to feed the world when the population soars from six to nine billion. We might call it a second green revolution.
This was supported by the call of the Secretary-General of the UN, Mr Ban Ki-moon, in 2008, for another green revolution, this time acknowledging that the world will be looking at Africa for answers to food security.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum last week, the Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, reacted by saying that Africa can be the world's breadbasket, and I agree with that. At the same occasion, former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, added:
In Africa, food security is not a theoretical problem. Almost 300 million Africans go to bed without anything to eat.
Therefore, providing sufficient food for the South African public remains one of the most important aims of the agricultural sector. Conversely, if food security is threatened, this would lead to famine, which then results in political instability, coupled with all its negative effects. Stated bluntly, a nation that is not able to grow its food and feed its people, is a failing nation.
A joint statement issued in 2008 by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the World Food Programme, mentioned that one underlying cause of the current world food crises was the dramatic decline in agricultural investment over the past three decades, when official development assistance tumbled from 17% in total to around 3% in 2006.
As daar van voedselsekuriteit in die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks gepraat word, is dit dikwels nie soseer 'n tekort aan voedsel nie, maar eerder die voedselpryse wat die probleem is. Voedsel word so duur dat selfs basiese voedselsoorte ver buite die bereik van 'n groot deel van die bevolking is. Die vraag is: Waarom word die prys van voedsel op die winkelrakke steeds duurder, terwyl sommige landboukommoditeitspryse daal?
Kom ek gee vir u een voorbeeld: Volgens statistieke van die Nasionale Landboubemarkingsraad het die prys van koring van April 2008 tot April 2009 met 36% gedaal. In hierdie tyd het die Safex-prys vir koring van R3 962 per ton tot R2 526 per ton gedaal. Terwyl koring se prys met 36% gedaal het, het bruinbrood se prys in dieselfde tyd met 22% gestyg. Hoe verklaar 'n mens dit? Volgens dr Andr Jooste, senior bestuurder van die Nasionale Landboubemarkingsraad, is die groot les wat almal hieruit moet leer dat daar 'n verband is tussen voedselsekuriteit en die winsgewendheid van landbou. As koring winsgewend verbou kan word, sal boere dit plant en so verseker dat daar genoeg kos bekostigbaar geproduseer word. Die omgekeerde is natuurlik ook waar. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[When food security is mentioned in the South African context, it is often not so much a shortage of food, but rather the price of food that is the problem. Food is becoming so expensive that even basic foods are out of reach of a large part of the population. The question is: Why the prices of food on the shelves in the stores keep on rising, while the prices of some agricultural commodities are dropping?
Let me give you an example: According to statistics from the National Agricultural Marketing Council, the price of wheat dropped by 30% from April 2008 to April 2009. In this time the Safex price for wheat dropped from R3 962 per ton to R2 526 per ton. While the price of wheat dropped by 36%, the price of brown bread increased by 22%. How does one explain this? According to Dr Andr Jooste, senior manager of the National Agricultural Marketing Council, the big lesson everybody must learn from this is that there is a link between food security and the profitability of agriculture. If wheat can be grown profitably, farmers will plant it, thus ensuring that enough food is produced in an affordable manner. Of course, the opposite is also true.]
High food prices are not only a problem in South Africa; this is gripping the whole world. This is compounded by the increasing global populations and resultant food demands, on the one hand, and limited natural resources, demands for alternative energy and the effects of climate change, on the other.
Continual improvement of agriculture infrastructure is important, as farming remains an economic activity. Better research, improved extension and water quality, access roads, etc, therefore, remain a priority. Rural development and the alleviation of poverty only become possible if there is continued growth in the agricultural sector. Continued growth in the agricultural sector is, again, only possible if the sector continues to be competitive nationally and internationally.
Die Departement van Landbou, kommersile boere en opkomende boere is van die belangrikste rolspelers om van landbou in Suid-Afrika 'n sukses te maak en voedselsekuriteit te waarborg. Die groot uitdaging in die volgende paar jaar gaan wees om die regte balans tussen hierdie verskillende rolspelers te kry.
In hierdie opsig is kommersile boere deel van die oplossing op dieseitele wyse as wat opkomende boere daarvan deel is. Te dikwels word kommersile boere as die probleem en nie as deel van die oplossing gesien nie - en dit help nie om hier na individuele gevalle te verwys nie. Verantwoordelike venootskappe tussen kommersile en opkomende boere kan baie van die huidige probleme aanpak. Verantwoordelike vennootskappe behels egter begrip vir die verwagtinge van opkomende boere sowel as begrip vir die probleme en onsekerhede van kommersile boere.
'n Kommersile boer het my onlangs voorgekeer en gekritiseer omdat ek net praat van opkomende en kommersile boere. Volgens hom is daar naas kommersile en opkomende boere ook nog 'n derde groep boere, naamlik wat hy noem "ondergaande" kommersile boere en daaraan moet ook aandag gegee word.
Sommige van die probleme en onsekerhede van boere waarvoor daar begrip moet wees, is, onder andere, verhoogde insetkostes en lae winsgewendheid; ondoeltreffende steunstelsels; volhoubare hulpbronbestuur; en veral veiligheid en sekuriteit.
Hoewel almal in Suid-Afrika met misdaad te kampe het, het landelike misdaad 'n skokkende statistiek geword. Misdaad op plase bly 'n ernstige probleem. Onlangs het ons byvoorbeeld die ongelukkige voorval by Bultfontein gehad, waar polisiereserviste na bewering by so 'n plaasaanval betrokke was. Die kernprobleem bly die veiligheidsvakuum wat ontstaan het n die afskaffing van die kommando's. Daarom is die veiligheid en sekuriteitsforum tussen die landbou-unies en die polisie, waarna in die hersiene landboustrategieplan verwys word, uiters belangrik.
Die uitnodiging van die President van die Demokratiese Republiek van die Kongo aan Suid-Afrikaanse boere om daar te kom boer, s ook iets van Afrika en van hoe Afrika die belangrikheid van die Suid-Afrikaanse boere sien. Die regering van die Demokratiese Republiek van die Kongo is bereid om kosteloos aan Suid-Afrikaanse kommersile boere eksklusiewe gebruiksreg oor plase vir 'n termyn van 99 jaar te gee. Boonop kry boere 'n vyfjaar- belastingvakansie en word hulle vrygestel van invoerbelasting op alle landbou-insette en toerusting.
Winste en beleggings kan te enige tyd weer uit die land geneem word. Die regering van die Demokratiese Republiek van die Kongo het staatsplase in die vrugbare Niari-vallei, wat gesamentlik meer as 135 000 ha groot is, uitsluitlik vir Suid-Afrikaanse boere geoormerk en 'n verdere 10 miljoen hektaar kan ook beskikbaar gestel word.
Om 'n Suid-Afrikaanse boer wat winsgewend boer te verloor, vind ek altyd 'n groot jammerte en 'n verlies vir Suid-Afrika. [Tussenwerpsels.] Ek dink nie jy boer nie, so ek luister nie na jou nie. Ons moet dit voorkom, want dit is 'n verlies as dit so is. Tog moet die Suid-Afrikaanse bevolking en die regering kennis neem van die waarde wat Afrika-regerings aan hierdie boere heg in hul pogings om Suid-Afrikaanse boere na ander Afrikalande te lok.
Ter afsluiting, president Zuma glo dat, ten opsigte van landbou, ons oor politieke grense heen genoeg met mekaar in gemeen het om saam die uitdagings in die landbousektor te kan aanpak. Hierdie uitdaging het hy aan ons almal hier teenwoordig gestel. Die toekoms sal leer in watter mate ons - en dis nou almal hier teenwoordig wat 'n belang daarby het - hierdie uitdagings gaan aanvaar en suksesvol sal aanpak in belang van elkeen in Suid-Afrika. Ek dank u. [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[The Department of Agriculture, commercial farmers and emerging farmers are some of the most important role-players to make a success of agriculture in South Africa and to ensure food security. The big challenge in the next few years will be finding the correct balance between these various role- players.
In this regard commercial farmers are as much a part of the solution as the emerging farmers. All too often commercial farmers are seen as the problem and not as part of the solution - and it is of no use here to refer to individual cases. Responsible partnerships between commercial and emerging farmers can address many of the current problems. However, responsible partnerships entail an understanding of the expectations of emerging farmers as well as an understanding for the problems and uncertainties of commercial farmers.
A commercial farmer recently stopped and criticised me, because I only ever mention emerging and commercial farmers. According to him there also is a third group of farmers, namely what he calls the "sinking" commercial farmers to whom attention should be paid.
Some of the problems and uncertainties of farmers for which there should be understanding are the increased input costs and low profitability, ineffective support systems, sustainable resource management and especially safety and security.
Although everyone in South Africa has to contend with crime, rural crime has become a shocking statistic. Crime on farms remains a serious problem. Recently we had that unfortunate incident at Bultfontein, where police reservists were allegedly involved in such a farm attack. The core problem remains the security vacuum which developed after the commandos were discontinued. That is why the safety and security forum between the agricultural unions and the police, referred to in the reviewed agricultural strategy plan, is extremely important.
The invitation by the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to South African farmers to go and farm over there also tells us something about Africa and how Africa views the importance of the South African farmers. The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is prepared to give South African farmers free and exclusive right of use of its farms for 99-year terms. On top of that the farmers receive a 5-year tax holiday and are exempt from import duties on all agricultural input and equipment.
Profits and investments can be taken out of the country at any time. The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has earmarked state farms in the fertile Niari Valley, which together total over 135 000 ha, exclusively for South African farmers, while a further 10 million ha can also be made available.
I find that losing a South African farmer who is farming profitably is always a great pity and a loss for South Africa. [Interjections.] Well, I don't think you're a farmer, so I won't listen to you. We have to avoid this, because it is a loss as such. But the South African population and government must take note of the value which African governments are attaching to these farmers in their efforts to tempt South African farmers to other countries in Africa.
In closing, President Zuma believes that in respect of agriculture we have enough in common across political divides to tackle the challenges in the agricultural sector together. He has put this challenge to all of us gathered here. The future will show to what degree we - and this is everybody present here who is concerned - will be accepting these challenges successfully in the interests of everyone in South Africa. I thank you. [Applause.]]
Hon Minister, Deputy Minister, hon members, in a world where financial uncertainty and food scarcity threatens the food security of every nation, the manner in which we manage our domestic agricultural sector is of great importance. The budget before us reflects, to a certain degree, that importance.
We appeal to the Minister to prioritise two matters. Firstly, there is the question of supporting existing and emerging farmers. Frankly, rural development - which now has its own Ministry - will not go anywhere if the rural economy is not revitalised. The key to this lies in agriculture and agri-related enterprises.
The UDM welcomes the monies allocated in this budget to agricultural support and the projected 22% annual growth over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period. We need to create job opportunities in rural areas whilst increasing our domestic production of food.
This brings me to the other priority that the UDM urges the Minister to focus on, namely food security. The rising cost of food is a threat to our economy and to the individual household. We have to encourage the production of sufficient and reasonably priced food. This is not just a strategic necessity, but a moral obligation. In all of this, government must promote enterprise and productivity, and reward and encourage creativity and hard work. I can guarantee you that the people in the rural areas will surprise everybody.
Mphathiswa weSebe loPhuhliso lwezamaPhandle, ohloniphekileyo, Gugile Nkwinti, masikwamkele. [Let us welcome you, hon Minister of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, Gugile Nkwinti.]
We have worked with you and I think you will bring about some changes in the rural areas.
Abantu phaya ezilalini bayalamba njengoko usazi mhlekazi kwezi ndawo sivela kuzo. Masithembe ke ukuba ekungeneni kwakho kuya kubakho utshintsho. Enkosi. [As you know hon Minister, people are poor in the rural areas where we come from. Let us hope that there will be change with you in power. Thank you.]
Hon Speaker, hon Minister and Deputy Minister, hon members, leaders of organised agriculture if they are present, government officials, ladies and gentlemen, I am a new member of the National Assembly and also of this committee. That is why it is my privilege and honour to participate in this first Budget Vote for agriculture in the fourth democratically elected Parliament.
Voor ek begin, wil ek net iets noem. Ek is self ook 'n boer, maar ek het nooit geweet waar ek inpas nie. Is ek 'n opkomende boer of is ek 'n kommersile boer? Ek weet nou waar ek inpas. Die agb Adjunkminister het genoem waar ek inpas. Ek is nou besig om 'n ondergaande boer te raak. [Gelag.] [Tussenwerpsels.] (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[Before I start, I would just like to mention something. I am a farmer myself, but I never knew where I fitted in. Am I an emerging farmer or am I a commercial farmer? Now I know where I fit in. The hon Deputy Minister mentioned where I fit in. I am now becoming a farmer who is going under. [Laughter.] [Interjections.]]
When President Zuma spoke to the newly elected ANC MPs on 14 May 2009 at our first caucus meeting, he made it clear that past practices in which ruling party MPs shied away from criticising the executive should be a thing of the past. He said that MPs must not be user-friendly to the executive, especially those not delivering. He said that in our case, he believed, our executive would deliver because he knew them very well, and that Parliament had a serious role to play to ensure that government delivered.
Agb Speaker, die uitvoerende bestuur en die amptenare van die Departement van Landbou kan verseker wees van ons komitee se samewerking en ook opbouende kritiek. Deur saam te werk kan ons baie vermag. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[Hon Speaker, the Executive Committee and officials of the Department of Agriculture can be assured of our committee's co-operation and also constructive criticism. By working together we can accomplish a great deal.]
In 2003, six years ago, we signed the Maputo Declaration with other African Union heads of state and governments in which we committed ourselves to allocating at least 10% of our national budget to agriculture. In analysing the agricultural budget, it is clear that it still remains far below the commitment we made in Maputo. It dropped by 9,8% in real terms in 2009-10 compared to the previous year of 2008-09. But it is expected to increase in the two outer years of the MTEF period.
The department received a budget of R2,792 billion during the 2009-10 financial year, which represents only 0,65% of the total allocation of the national government. And, if we compare that now to the 10%, it really fell far short. I would like to make an urgent appeal to National Treasury to improve this situation, given the important role agriculture plays in our poverty alleviation programmes and the country's food security.
The Polokwane resolutions called upon us to embark on an integrated programme of rural development, land reform and agrarian change. The budget must focus on these resolutions. Agrarian reform and rural development is also one of the five key priorities identified in our election manifesto. I would like to quote from the President, his Excellency J G Zuma, in the state of the nation address this year. I quote:
Working together with our people in the rural areas, we will ensure a comprehensive rural development strategy linked to land and agrarian reform and food security.
Na aanleiding van die bogenoemde beleidsrigtings van die ANC-regering is dit duidelik dat die landbou 'n baie belangrike rol speel. In my debat sal ek vervolgens meer konsentreer op program 3, die landbou- ondersteuningsdienste.
Tans is die grootste probleem met grondhervorming die swak ondersteuning wat nuwe, klein en kontantarm boere kry as hulle op nuwe grond gevestig word. Daarom is dit noodsaaklik dat daar 'n deeglike ondersoek gelas moet word om vas te stel waarom sekere boere wat deur die staat op grond gevestig is, onsuksesvol is. Wat is die probleme wat hulle ervaar? Die beginsel van 'gebruik dit of verloor dit' kan dan wel later toegepas word na hierdie opkomende boere wel hulp gekry het en nog steeds nie suksesvol kan boer nie. Dan het ons geen probleem daarmee nie. 'n Deeglike ondersoek sal van kardinale belang wees.
Die landbou-ondersteuningsdienste beslaan die grootste deel van die departement se totale begroting, naamlik R1 696,2 miljoen. Dit is 60,73% van die departement se totale begroting. Dit het met 9,08% toegeneem in vergelyking met die vorige boekjaar, toe dit plus-minus 50,2% was. Dit is egter verblydend om hierdie toename in die departement se begroting waar te neem.
Die doel van hierdie program 3 is juis om beleide te ontwikkel vir geteikende programme vir billike toegang tot die landbousektor vir opkomende boere. Dit maak voorsiening vir risiko- en rampbestuur. Verder maak dit ook voorsiening vir landbou-onderwys- en opleiding, landbouvoorligting en raadgewende dienste, wetenskaplike navorsing en tegnologiese ontwikkeling. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[With reference to the above-mentioned policies of the ANC government, it is evident that agriculture plays a very important part. Consequently, in my debate, I shall concentrate more on Programme 3, Agricultural Support Services.
Currently, the major problem with land reform is the poor support that new, small and cash-strapped farmers receive when they are settled on new land. Therefore, it is important that a thorough investigation be ordered to establish why certain farmers, who have been settled on land by the government, are unsuccessful. What are the problems that they are experiencing? The principle of 'use it or lose it' can then indeed be applied later after these emerging farmers have in fact been assisted and still cannot farm successfully. Then we have no problem with it. A thorough investigation would be of vital importance.
The Agricultural Support Services take up the biggest part of the department's total budget, namely R1 696,2 million. That is 60,73% of the department's total budget. It has increased by 9,08% in comparison with the previous financial year which was approximately 50,2%. It is, however, heartening to observe this increase in the department's budget.
The purpose of Programme 3 is precisely to develop policies for targeted programmes for equitable access to the agricultural sector for emerging farmers. It makes provision for risk and disaster management. Furthermore, it also makes provision for agricultural education and training, agricultural guidance and advisory services, scientific research and technological development.]
The allocation to Casp is expected to rise from R538 million in 2008 to about R979,3 million in 2011-12 at an average annual growth rate of 22,14%. There will be increased transfers for assistance to emerging black farmers and communities. This is in line with the ANC government's priorities to concentrate more on the postsettlement of beneficiaries and emerging farmers in terms of its strategy on rural development, but the budget allocation to Casp does not correspond with the budget increases for land reform, and that means more support initiatives for them.
Micro Agricultural Finance Initiative of SA, Mafisa, het in die boekjaar 2007-08 R248 miljoen gekry, maar in die boekjaar, 2008-09 het hulle slegs R22,1 miljoen gekry. Daarom het ons probleme ondervind. In my kiesafdeling is daar opkomende boere wat ses maande gelede aansoek gedoen het om die Mafisa-fondse, maar die Landbank het net ges hulle het nie geld nie. Dis die rede waarom daar in die vorige boekjaar so min geld toegeken is vir hierdie projek. Ons het die goeie nuus gekry dat dit nou gaan verbeter.
Ons sal ook egter moet kyk na die rentekoerse wat gehef word. Die Mafisa is 'n langtermynlening wat mens kan aangaan. Die rentekoerse is 'n bietjie beter, maar nog steeds te hoog. Ek dink dit kan verder gesubsideer word om die opkomende boere te help. Die Minister van Finansies het egter ook belowe dat die regering voorstelle deur die bestuur van die Landbank sal oorweeg om bietjie hul balanstaat te versterk. Huidiglik kry hulle ook maar baie swaar. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Micro Agricultural Finance Initiative of SA, Mafisa, received R248 million in the 2007-08 financial year, but in the financial year 2008-09, they only received R22,1 million. That is why we experienced problems. In my constituency there are emerging farmers who applied for Mafisa funds six months ago, but the Landbank just said that they don't have any money. This is the reason such a small amount of money had been allocated to this project in the previous financial year. We have received the good news that it is now going to improve.
We will, however, also have to look at the interest rate that is levied. The Mafisa is a long-term loan that one can negotiate. The interest rate is slightly better, but still too high. I think it can be further subsidised to assist the emerging farmers. However, the Minister of Finance has also promised that the government will consider proposals by the management of the Landbank to strengthen their balance sheet somewhat. Currently they are also having a rather tough time.]
Over the MTEF period, the department plans to recruit more or less 5 000 new extension officers. They will provide much-needed agricultural advice and production assistance to some 500 000 farmers - a half a million farmers - over the three-year period.
Die opleiding van ons jeug om in 'n landbourigting te studeer kan ook verder aangemoedig word. Tans bied te min sekondre skole landbouvakke aan. Studiebeurse in landbou kan meer voorsien word aan leerlinge en studente om hulle aan te moedig om in 'n landbourigting te studeer. Ons moet die jeug kweek om toekomstige landbouers te kan word. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[The education of our youth to study in the field of agriculture can also be further encouraged. At present, too few secondary schools offer agricultural subjects. More scholarships in agriculture can be provided to scholars and students to encourage them to study in the field of agriculture. We should nurture our youth to become future agriculturists.]
Hon Sulliman, try to wrap up.
Okay, Sir. I will conclude. [Laughter.]
Ek wil net 'n beroep doen op die kommersile boere om hul samewerking te gee. In gebiede waar sekere van die kommersile boere baie grond besit, kan hulle dit teen redelike pryse beskikbaar stel. Hulle kan ook optree as mentors vir die opkomende boere. Baie dankie [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[I just want to appeal to the commercial farmers to give their co- operation. In areas where certain commercial farmers own a lot of land, they can make it available at reasonable prices. They can also act as mentors to the emerging farmers. Thank you. [Applause.]]
Agb Voorsitter, ek het verlede jaar in hierdie begrotingsdebat ges een van die beste landbouvooruitsigte vir die boere is dat die voormalige Minister van Landbou nie weer die Minister van Landbou sal wees nie. So ek was heeltemal korrek. Enige persoon wat iets weet van landbou sal weet na 'n lang droogte, as 'n mens daar op die plaas rondstap, ruik jy soms die ren in die wind.
Ek wil vir die agb Minister s die uitsprake wat sy maak, is 'n nuwe, vars briesie vir die boere. Daardeur s ek nie vir haar sy is die renkoningin nie. Die tyd sal nog leer.
Die slagspreuk van die agb Minister is: Saam sal ons beter doen. U is reg, agb Minister, maar u het 'n groot taak op u skouers. U sal eers die boere weer aan u kant moet kry, want u voorganger het u beslis nie 'n guns gedoen nie. U voorganger het die boere vervreem, veral die blanke kommersile boere. Die uitsprake wat sy gemaak het, was nie in die belang van die landbou nie, maar in die belang van die ideologiese stryd wat sy nog steeds teen die boere probeer voer. Die boere vra nie spesiale behandeling nie. Die boere vra erkenning vir die moeilike omstandighede waarin hulle 'n produk probeer lewer en vir die bydra wat hulle tot Suid-Afrika lewer. As u daardie erkenning aan die boere sal gee, kan ek u verseker hulle sal aan u kant kom en u sal dan kan s, saam sal ons beter kan doen.
Die boere vra ook nie spesiale beskerming nie. Wat die boere net wil s, is: Luister wanneer ons praat.
In 2002 het Graan Suid-Afrika die voormalige Minister en die regering gewaarsku dat as hulle nie die boere teen die invoer van koring beskerm nie, hulle 'n krisis gaan h. 'n Paar jaar daarna is daar toe 'n krisis. Toe weet die regering nie waar die krisis vandaan kom nie.
Landbou is soos 'n besigheid. As dit nie wins lewer nie, kan dit nie bestaan nie. Dis so eenvoudig soos dit. Dit is hoekom die koringboere destyds die landboubedryf verlaat het en die produksie van koring gestop het. Aan die einde van die dag is dit die verbruiker wat daardie prys moet betaal.
Ek wil afsluit en vir die agb Minister s dat sy 'n reuse taak op haar skouers het. Die tyd sal leer of sy wel die renkoningin gaan wees. [Tyd verstreke.] (Translation of Afrikaans speech follows.)
[Mr P J GROENEWALD: Hon Chairperson, I stated in this Budget Vote last year that one of the best agricultural prospects for the farmers was that the former Minister of Agriculture would cease to be the Minister of Agriculture. So, I was quite correct. Anyone who knows something about agriculture will know that if, after a long drought, one walks around on the farm, one sometimes picks up the smell of rain in the wind.
I want to tell the hon Minister that her statements are a new and fresh breath of air to the farmers. By that, I am not implying that she is the rain queen. Only time will tell.
The hon Minister's slogan is: Together we will do more. You are correct, hon Minister, but you are shouldering a major task. You will first have to win the favour of the farmers again, because your predecessor definitely did not do you any favours. Your predecessor alienated the farmers, especially the white commercial farmers. Her statements were not in the interest of agriculture, but rather in the interest of the ideological battle that she is still trying to wage against the farmers.
The farmers are not asking for any special treatment. What the farmers are asking for is recognition for the difficult circumstances under which they are trying to produce a product and for their contribution towards South Africa. If you give the farmers that recognition, I can assure you that you will win them over, and then you will be able to say, together we can do more.
In addition, the farmers are not seeking special protection. All that the farmers are trying to say is: Listen to us when we speak.
In 2002, Grain South Africa warned the former Minister and the government that if they were not going to protect the farmers against the importing of wheat, they were heading for a crisis. A few years later the crisis was realised. Then the government pleaded ignorance about the reason for the crisis.
Agriculture is like a business. If it fails to yield profits, it cannot exist. It is that simple. It was for this reason that the wheat farmers at the time left agriculture and stopped producing wheat. At the end of the day, the consumer has to pay the price for this.
I wish to conclude by telling the Minister that she will have to shoulder an enormous task. Only time will tell whether she will indeed be the rain queen. [Time expired.]]
Chair, hon Ministers, agriculture plays a central role in rural development and, with increasing numbers of people benefiting from land redistribution, support initiatives are critical. Targets in supporting emerging farmers proved unrealistic in 2008-09 as just under half of the 80 000 targeted were actually supported.
Now that the total budget has dropped by nearly 10% in real terms, support initiatives look to be more constrained than ever. Despite the encouraging things that you have said, hon Minister, the budget allocated to provide postsettlement support will need, more than ever, to be used effectively and efficiently.
The drastically increased budget for consultants and professional services raises some concerns. However, emerging farmers are going to need professional assistance to ensure sustainability.
With the present economic downturn in mind, the ACDP is particularly concerned that there appears to be no special allocation for agricultural starter packs. Rising food prices threaten food security and necessitate initiatives to protect the vulnerable. Starter packs for household vegetable gardens are essential.
Job creation, another national priority, highlights the importance of not undervaluing the role of agriculture in our economy. The number of jobs created per unit of investment is higher in agriculture than any other sector and supports some 8,5 million people. Despite promises made in the Maputo Declaration in 2003 to increase the allocation in the national budget for agriculture to 10% within five years, agriculture comprises less than 1% of our national budget.
The ACDP is concerned about the minimal focus on veterinary science. Globally, there is a lack in disaster preparedness and experts say South Africa is no more prepared than other nations. For example, reports of a highly contagious disease affecting bees reveal that we have neither quarantine regulations nor adequate legislation to deal with the threat to South Africa's food security. The ACDP calls on the Minister to act urgently to contain this threat.
Sadly, this budget is grossly inadequate to meet the huge demands currently on the Department of Agriculture. So, while the ACDP will support the budget, we do so reluctantly.
Voorsitter, eerstens, my gelukwense aan minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson met haar aanstelling. Ek glo sy is die regte persoon, op die regte tyd en op die regte plek. Baie sterkte en baie sukses. Ook aan adjunkminister Pieter Mulder wil ek s dat ek aan sy patriotisme glo. Ek is oortuig dat hy in elk geval ook die landbou gaan dien.
Ek wil vir hom s dat 'n oom van Namakwaland my gebel en ges het dat ek die Minister moet s om van sy voertuig ontslae te raak. Hy het verduidelik dat daardie voertuig waarmee hy ry, elke nag van drie tot sewe breek en dat die Minister dan nie 'n oog sal kan toemaak nie. Ek wil net vir hom s, baie sterkte en voorspoed. Ek sal hoofsaaklik fokus op program 4 van die begroting, wat handel oor ekonomiese groei, nasionale en internasionale handel en markte. Uit die aard van die saak sal die sukses van hierdie program grootliks afhang van die implementering van ander begrotingsprogramme in die totale landboubegroting. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Mr J P GELDERBLOM: Chairperson, firstly, I would like to congratulate Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson on her appointment. I believe that she is the right person, at the right time and at the right place. I wish her the best of luck and much success. To the Deputy Minister, Pieter Mulder, I would like to say that I believe in his patriotism. I am convinced that he will serve agriculture well.
I would also like to convey to him that an elderly man from Namaqualand phoned and asked me to tell the Minister to get rid of his motor vehicle. He explained that this vehicle driven by him, breaks down between 03:00 and 07:00 every night and that the Minister would then not be able to shut an eye. I want to wish him good luck and much success.
I will mainly be focusing on Programme 4 of the budget, which deals with economic growth, national and international trade and markets. Naturally, the success of this programme depends mainly on the implementation of other budget programmes in the overall Agriculture Budget.]
In this budget it is clear that government is serious about our national and international agricultural markets. And the reason, therefore, is that market access for agricultural products is an important catalyst for job creation and foreign capital, and it ensures economic growth and food security.
Agtermiddag het die Minister ook daarna verwys toe sy ges het sy steun die platteland baie sterk, sy voel baie sterk oor navorsing en sy is ook sterk ten gunste van die mentorskap. Ek dink dis 'n baie duidelike boodskap wat sy agtermiddag uitgestuur het oor hoe sy voel oor landbou, en dit sal ons ook baie help, spesifiek in hierdie program 4. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[Earlier this afternoon the Minister referred to it when she said that she firmly supports the rural areas, that she feels strongly about research, and that she is highly in favour of mentorship. I think she sent out a very clear message this afternoon with regard to her feeling towards agriculture, and this will help us a lot, specifically in Programme 4.]
Our trade, domestic and international, depends on food production by our farmers, on the sale of products to national and international markets and on ensuring that there is a sufficient amount of food produced for domestic and international demands.
I am glad that this budget addresses the challenges to secure sustainable market access. This can only be achieved if the quality of our food products is of outstanding value, if the input cost of the products can be lowered, if our food product prices are competitive with those of international products, if there are reliable buying partners, and if research of food products is done on an internationally acceptable basis.
The outcome of research from research units and the transfer of this information to our farmers are of paramount importance. This will enable farmers and agricultural businesses to compete with quality products in a challenging world. In this budget there is a focus on programmes to make farming more business oriented.
Ek verwelkom dit. [I welcome this.]
In these programmes the challenge is to listen to the inputs made by agricultural experts in the marketing of products and to farmers with practical agricultural expertise.
I am glad to say that the different stakeholders in agriculture are already working together with the National Agricultural Marketing Council. The outcome over the past two years of this co-operation has been very positive, but there are still many challenges to be addressed. These partnerships need to be strengthened, and within the partnerships we need to collaborate through debate and constructive inputs to enable agriculture in South Africa to improve its international competitiveness.
Met ons uitdaging om landbou weer 'n netto uitvoerder van landbouprodukte te maak, benodig ons sterk en rigtinggewende vennootskappe. Ons sal moet sterk standpunt inneem oor die ooreenkomste van die Departement van Landbou, Bosbou en Visserye. Verblydend is dit dat in die begroting duidelik uitgespel word dat ons hulp wil verleen aan ons uitvoerders met die oogmerk om handel binnelands en buitelands sterker en duidelik te bevorder.
In hierdie ontwikkeling moet ons meer van plaaslike landboukundiges gebruik maak wanneer dit by onderhandeling met internasionale rolspelers kom en wanneer vennootskappe gesluit word. Ons het baie kundiges op die praktiese landbougebied. Ek dink hulle insette is belangrik vir ons vir die pad vorentoe.
Die internasionale handel sal hom grootliks laat lei deur die kwaliteit van die produkte wat ons gaan voorsien. Daar is nie 'n alternatief vir 'n kwaliteit landbouproduk nie. Daarom, 'n ernstige versoek dat meer fondse bewillig word vir volgehoue landbounavorsing. Dit is ons antwoord op 'n dalende ekonomiese mark, plaaslik en internasionaal.
In die proses om Suid-Afrika se landbouprodukte op die internasionale mark suksesvol te bemark, is dit ook wenslik dat ons ons nuwe opkomende boere vertroud moet maak met die rels en die vereistes van die internsionale handel. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Faced with the challenge of restoring South Africa to a nett exporter of agricultural products, we need firm partnership directives. We need to take a strong stance with regard to the agreements of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. It is heartening to see that it is stipulated in the budget that we want to lend support to local exporters with the aim to strengthen and distinctly promote local and foreign trade.
In this development, we should utilise local agricultural experts more when it comes to negotiations with international role-players and when partnerships are formed. We have many experts in the practical area of agriculture. Looking ahead, I believe their input will be very valuable to us.
The international trade will, to a large extent, be guided by the quality of the products that we will provide. There is no alternative for an agricultural product of high quality. Thus, we urgently request that more funds be made available for sustained agricultural research. This is our answer to a spiralling economic market, locally and internationally. In the process of successfully marketing South Africa's agricultural products on the international market, it is also desirable that we familiarise our emerging farmers with the rules of international trade and its requirements.]
Market access needs partnerships between exporting farmers and emerging farmers. It is important to assist our emerging sector to commercialise their production entities and secure sustainable market access.
Mentorskappe, en u het reeds daarna verwys, is van kardinale belang in die toekomstige uitbreiding van handel om die internasionale mark te betree. Daar sal ernstig gedink moet word in hoe 'n mate begrotings aangepas moet word in die program om mentorskappe finansieel op 'n aanvaarbare wyse te ondersteun. Ek is baie bly oor daardie mentorskappe wat onlangs reeds gesluit is.
In hierdie begrotingsprogramme sal daar egter ook gelet moet word op alternatiewe metodes van bemarking van landbouprodukte. In di verband bepleit ek groter sinergie tussen staatsdepartemente en die Departement van Landbou, Bosbou en Visserye. Ek het verlede jaar die voorreg gehad om China en Indi te besoek, en dis vir my baie duidelik dat daar 'n totale gebrek is aan landbouprodukte van Suid-Afrika op die rakke daar. Dit is vir my noodsaaklik dat hier baie groter samewerking moet kom tussen die Departement van Landbou, Bosbou en Visserye en die Departement van Handel en Nywerheid. Ekonomiese groei vereis volgehoue en doelgerigte opleiding van die landbouers. Bestaande landbouers en nuwe toetreders beskik nie altyd oor die nodige bemarkingsvaardighede of ontwikkelingsvaardighede in die bemarking van hulle landbouprodukte nie.
Die Agri-seta is veronderstel om hier 'n rol te speel. Gebrek aan praktykvaardigheid by opleidingsvoorsieners blyk 'n bekommernis te wees. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Mentorships, and you have referred to this already, are crucial in the development of future trade opportunities, with the goal of entering the international market. Serious thought should be given to the extent to which the budget should be adapted in the programme in order to support mentorships in a financially acceptable manner. I am very pleased with those mentorships that have already been formed recently.
In these budget programmes attention should, however, also be paid to alternative methods of promoting agricultural products. In this regard, I plead for greater synergy between government departments and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Last year I had the privilege of visiting China and India, and it is very clear to me that there is a total lack of South African agricultural products on those countries' shelves. To me, it is a necessity that there be greater co-operation between the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Department of Trade and Industry. Economic growth requires the sustained and purposeful training of farmers. Existing farmers and new entrants do not always have the necessary marketing or developing skills to promote their own agricultural products.
The Agri-seta is supposed to play a role here. Those who provide training seem to lack practical proficiency, and this is a concern.]
There are still training providers registered with the Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority without in-house expertise to conduct training, and there are still service providers without proper training material. Everything is based on outsourcing.
My problem with that is how we can secure and monitor quality. How can we improve the competitiveness of the agricultural sector if there is a crucial lack of skills development and various quality systems of service- provider priorities are lacking? How effective was the learnership programme of the Agri-SETA in the past four years? How many of these learners are currently in a full-time position in the agricultural sector? How many agricultural entrepreneurs were developed through this in-service training?
Isn't it time we sat around the table and looked at an apprenticeship programme in which competent agricultural employees were developed around a product-specific value chain? Not only could employees be developed, but existing and new agri-entrepreneurs could be developed in a supportive environment. Through this, we could address more black entrepreneurs, more trade - national and international - higher production and more access to agricultural services.
Die opleiding van opleiers en kundiges se deurgee van kennis aan nuwe toetreders tot die landbou bly belangrik. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Landbou- akademie is 'n Seta, sektorale onderwys- en opleidingsowerheid, 'n geakkrediteerde opleidingsvoorsiener met opleidingsfasiliteite, opleiers en kundiges wat sterk fokus op bemarking van Suid-Afrika se produkte. In Nederland is hulle baie betrokke betreffende regverdige handel. Hulle is ook in Duitsland betrokke met bessiepoeier. Hulle is spesifiek daarop ingestel om Suid-Afrika se produkte van opkomende boere in die buiteland te bemark deur middel van daardie instellings.
Ek is oortuig dat die globale finansile resessie 'n baie groot invloed op Suid-Afrika se landbou gehad het. Ek is oortuig dat daar hoop is vir landbou en dat landbou in die regte hande is. Ek is oortuig dat hierdie regering daarop ingestel is om toe te sien dat kommersile boere, opkomende boere en landbou hul regmatige plek sal verdien wat hul toekom. Baie dankie. [Tyd verstreke.] [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[The training of trainers and the sharing of knowledge by experts with new entrants into the field of agriculture remains important. The South African Agri Academy is a Seta, Sector Education Training Authority, an accredited training provider with training facilities, trainers and experts, that focuses strongly on the marketing of South African products. In the Netherlands, it is heavily involved in fair trade practices. It is also involved with berry powder in Germany. Through these institutions, it focuses specifically on marketing South African products, grown by emerging farmers, abroad.
I am convinced that the global recession has had a huge impact on South Africa's agriculture. I am convinced that agriculture has been placed in safe hands and that there is, indeed, hope for agriculture. I am convinced that this government is committed to ensuring that commercial and emerging farmers, as well as agriculture, will take the places they rightfully deserve. Thank you very much. [Time expired.] [Applause.]]
Chairperson, Minister, the budget allocation for the Department of Agriculture is less than 1% of the total national budget. The allocation of R2,79 billion for 2009-10 is less than the previous financial year's allocation of R2,95 billion.
The UCDP is concerned about how this department will reach its objective of service delivery using this limited budget given that agriculture is the backbone of most countries' economies, including South Africa's. How will the department ensure access to sufficient, safe and nutrious food; eliminate skewed participation and inequity in agriculture; maximise growth, employment and income in agriculture; improve the sustainable management of natural agricultural resources and ecological systems; and ensure effective and sufficient governance as well as information management?
Rural development has emerged as one of government's top priorities in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period. In his state of the nation address, the President made it clear that intervention in the second economy would include support for small and micro enterprises and rural development initiatives. The Minister of Finance highlighted the fact that increasing agricultural output, raising rural incomes and supporting small- scale farmers were key objectives of the rural development strategy.
The rapid rise of food prices experienced in the past year has threatened food security in the country and necessitated initiatives to protect the vulnerable from high food prices. We doubt if this budget will reach this objective. [Time expired.]
Voorsitter, eerstens wil ek die Minister asook die Adjunkminister, dr Pieter Mulder, gelukwens. Ek groet ook die Huis, alle LP's, die gehoor, dames en here, toehoorders en luisteraars.
Landbou en grondhervorming vind uitdrukking in die Vryheidsmanifes wat in 1955 in Kliptown opgestel is. Gegee deur die uitdagings wat minderbevoorregte swart gemeenskappe in die gesig staar, word ons daaraan herinner dat die mense in die land se rykdom sal deel en dat die grond verdeel sal word onder di wat dit bewerk.
Laat ons vasstel hoe ver ons gekom het met die mandaat wat die kontrak van die mense daargestel het en of dit deur die begrotingsimplementeringsplan uitgevoer is. Die sleutel tot transformasie is om nuwe voorraad vir opkomende boere en kleinbestaansboere te voorsien. Ons moet waarde toevoeg deur gesonde diere, goeie stoetdiere en kuddediere van goeie gehalte te verseker met behulp van bystandsprogramme deur beide die regering en privaatvennote.
As die landelike gemeenskappe ook veeartsenyopleiding geniet, sal ons ook die verandering van vinnige ekonomiese groei toon ten opsigte van gesonde kuddediere wat melk gee en slagbeeste wat net vir daardie doel geboer sal word.
Onderstepoort, die opleidingsentrum, bied praktiese navorsingsopleiding aan swart boere wat hulle nodig het aangesien hulle ook in die taal wat hulle verstaan, opgelei kan word. Verder is dit belangrik dat ons voorligtingsbeamptes kry om hierdie swart boere by te staan. Ons sal ook moet gaan kyk na 'n Uitgebreide Openbare Werke-program, UOWP, vir landbou, veral vir ons kleinboere in die landelike gemeenskappe. [Applous.]
Kommersile boere moet betrek word. Kordinering deur die drie sfere van regering moet die leiding neem, want net deur saam te werk kan ons meer doen. Teikengroepe soos veral vrouens kan nie genoeg beklemtoon word nie. Die Vroueboer van die Jaar-toekenning is slegs een moniteringstelsel waarmee gemeet kan word hoeveel bemagtiging in hierdie sektor gedoen is. Hierdie studiegroep doen 'n beroep dat grond in die nuwe boekjaar vir opkomende swart boere beskikbaar gestel sal word. Dit sal daartoe bydra dat armoede hok geslaan kan word deur weidingsveld vir vee en grootskaalse landerye vir voedselgewasse soos koring, mielies, boontjies en aartappels, ensovoorts, te voorsien. Daar moet ook 'n toename in die begroting wees indien ons vrouens wil insluit, en ek praat veral van jong vroue.
Plaaslike regering, in samewerking met die Departement van Openbare Werke, sal moet ingryp met die beskikbaarstelling van tuinbougrond aan huishoudings, want dit is 'n leemte wat op plaaslike vlak bestaan.
Infrastruktuur in die vorm van paaie, vervoerbare water, elektrisiteit en besproeiingstelsels sal ook bespoedig moet word, veral in landelike gebiede. Ons opkomende boere het ook pakhuise nodig, sowel as saad en trekkers. Opkomende kleinboere het implemente asook bedrading vir hul kampe nodig.
Dink net hoeveel armoede ons in landelike gebiede regoor die land sal kan uitwis indien die begroting direk skakel met waar die grootste behoefte is. Indien die begroting direk met die behoefte skakel, sal ons heelwat armoede kan uitwis.
Met die vordering wat ten opsigte van nasionale welvaart gemaak is, waar die staat, privaatkapitaal, koperatiewe en ander sosiale ingrypings mekaar op 'n gentegreerde manier aanvul, kan armoede bekamp word deur onderverdeling en ekonomiese groei te koester. Terwyl navorsing gedoen word, is dit nodig dat loodsprojekte daargestel word wat vaardighede en sakegeleenthede in die landboubedryf sal bevorder, veral vir kleinskaalse boere.
Die landelike situasie in Suid-Afrika word steeds deur verdeeldheid gekenmerk. Daar is wel ontwikkelde gebiede waar die meerderheid van die mense, spesifiek vrouens in landelike gemeenskappe, aanhoudend met die vernedering van armoede moet saamleef. Die begroting moet toeneem om hierdie leemtes aan te pak, want hierdie vroue bly agter en die gaping word al hoe groter.
Ten opsigte van koperasies moet die prys van kunsmis wat aan kleinboere verskaf word hersien word en lidmaatskap moet aan nuwe toetreders uitgereik word. Hierdie is 'n ernstige beroep om samewerking om die kleinboere op te bou en te bemagtig.
Ons doen ook 'n beroep op die Minister om in die nuwe boekjaar toegang tot die markte vir beide die landboubedryf en boerdery met lewendehawe aan te pak. Die Noord-Kaap, so ook verafgele plekke in die boendoes van ons land, sal dit hoog op prys stel as daar 'n landboukollege in die lewe geroep word.
Baie is gedoen betreffende die omvorming van die departemente van landbou en grondhervorming. Nie alle gebiede in hierdie sektor het egter die agterstand baasgeraak nie - die 4% landbougrond in 15 jaar is 'n druppel in die emmer. Deur gentegreerde samewerking is dit nodig om munisipaliteite wat onderpresteer se kapasiteit te bou om te verseker dat hulle geskikte en doeltreffende dienste lewer waar dit nodig is.
Die beroep is om die onderontwikkelde landelike gebiede te ontwikkel deur 'n groter begroting. Die regerende party, die ANC, is gestig as deel van die vooruitstrewende strydmag dwarsoor die wreld in die geveg teen kolonialisme, rassisme, armoede, onderontwikkeling en geslagsongelykheid. [Applous.] Die globale finansile krisis vereis 'n globale reaksie, maar dit moet omskep word in 'n geleentheid vir 'n meer demokratiese stelsel van globale ekonomiese en finansile regering om verbeterde bystand aan kleinskaalse boere te verleen. Toegang tot langtermynfinansiering is ook baie belangrik.
Die Landbank moet sy rol vervul en, as dit nodig is, van sy beleide hersien sodat die balans tussen kommersile en nuwe opkomende swart boere op gelyke skaal kan kom. Die sukses van samewerking met en eienaarskap aan landelike gemeenskappe, asook die deelname van vroue sodat hulle ook betrokke is by belangrike besluite aangaande boerdery en sodoende bemagtig word, sal afhang van hoe die begroting hierdie aspekte inwerk, want dit kan slegs deur finansile bydrae geskied. Dit sal nie sommer net deur handewerk geskied nie; daar moet finansile hulp verleen word. Versnelde landelike ontwikkeling in landbou en boerdery beteken versnelde groei in die ekonomie vir 'n beter lewe vir almal. Ek dank u. [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans speech follows.)
[Mrs M N PHALISO: Chairperson, I would like to congratulate the Minister, as well as the Deputy Minister, Dr Pieter Mulder. I would also like to greet everyone in the House, all the MPs, those in the gallery, ladies and gentlemen and the rest of the audience.
Agriculture and land reform find expression in the Freedom Charter, conceived in Kliptown in 1955. Informed by the challenges that were faced by disadvantaged black communities, we are reminded that the people shall share in the wealth of the land and the land shall be shared by those who work it.
Let us assess the progress we have made with regard to the mandate derived from the people's contract and whether that mandate has been carried out in the budget implementation plan. The key to transformation lies in the provision of new supplies to emerging and subsistence farmers. We must add value by ensuring healthy animals, good breeding stock and herds of good quality through both governmental and private partnership support programmes. If rural communities are also provided with veterinarian training, we will also show signs of the change brought about by rapid economic growth in terms of getting milk from healthy herds, and of having slaughter-stock bred specifically for that purpose.
The practical research training that is provided at the Onderstepoort training facility is necessary for black farmers, as they are able to receive training in a language they understand. Furthermore, it is vital that we provide agricultural extension officers to assist black farmers. We will also have to consider an Expanded Public Works Programme, EPWP, for agriculture, especially for our peasant farmers in rural communities. [Applause.]
Commercial farmers must become involved. Co-ordination between the three spheres of government must take priority, because it is only by working together that we can do more. Target groups - especially women - cannot be emphasised enough. The Woman Farmer of the Year award is but one monitoring system through which we can measure the extent of empowerment in this sector. This study group is making an appeal to set aside land for emerging black farmers in the new financial year. This will contribute to alleviating poverty by having pasturage for cattle and large scale farm- land for food crops like corn, maize, beans, potatoes, etc. There should also be an increase in the budget, especially if we want to accommodate women - and here I am referring to young women in particular.
Local government, in conjunction with the Department of Public Works, will have to intervene by making land available for domestic horticulture, because this is a void that exists at local level.
Infrastructure provision in the form of roads, transportable water, electricity and irrigation systems - especially in rural areas - will also have to be fast-tracked. Our emerging farmers also need warehouses as well as seed and tractors. Emerging peasant farmers need farming implements as well as fencing for their fields.
Just consider how much poverty could have been eliminated in rural areas across the country if the budget were linked directly to the areas of greatest need. If the budget were linked directly to need, we would have been able to eliminate a fair amount of poverty.
With the gains realised in terms of national welfare, where the state, private capital, co-operatives and other social interventions are complementing one another in an integrated manner, poverty could be arrested by fostering subdivision and economic growth. While research is conducted, it is necessary to create pilot projects that will promote skills development and business oppportunities in the agricultural sector, especially for the small-scale farmers.
The South African rural situation is still characterised by division. There are, however, prosperous areas where the majority of the people, especially rural women, continuously have to live with the humiliation of abject poverty. The budget has to be increased in order to address these voids, because these women are being left behind while the gap increases apace.
With regard to co-operatives, the prices of artificial fertilisers supplied to peasant farmers should be revised and membership should be extended to new entrants. This is an earnest plea for co-operation in building and empowering peasant farmers.
We also appeal to the Minister to address the issue of access to the markets for both agriculture and farming with livestock in the new financial year. The Northern Cape, as well as far-flung places in the bundu of our country, would appreciate it very much if an agricultural college could be established.
Much has been done regarding the transformation of the departments of agriculture and land reform. However, not all areas in this sector have managed to make up their leeway - 4% agricultural land in 15 years is a drop in the ocean. It is necessary, through integrated co-operation, to build capacity in those municipalities that are underperforming, so as to ensure that they deliver suitable and effective services where required.
The appeal is for an increased budget to develop underdeveloped rural areas. The ruling party, the ANC, was founded as part of the progressive political force globally to fight colonialism, racism, poverty, underdevelopment and gender inequality. [Applause.] The global financial crisis requires a global response, but it must be transformed into an opportunity for a more democratic system of global economic and financial governance in order to lend improved support to peasant farmers. Access to long-term financing is also very important.
The Land Bank must play its part and, if necessary, review some of its policies, so that equilibrium can be reached between commercial and emerging black farmers. Successful co-operation with and ownership to rural communities - including the empowerment of women through their inclusion in important decisions concerning farming - will depend on the manner in which the budget integrates these aspects, because this can only be realised through financial contributions. It will not come about through mere manual labour; financial aid must be forthcoming. Accelerated rural development in agriculture and farming means accelerated growth in the economy for a better life for all. I thank you. [Applause.]]
Chairperson, the role of agriculture in the economies of developing countries is widely acknowledged as that of promoting social and economic development. In the case of South Africa, while agriculture remains a priority, the government faces tremendous challenges.
There was a time when agriculture contributed 20% to our GDP. We must examine the reasons for the decline of agriculture and we must do something to encourage the migration of the youth to agriculture. This is what the country did during the apartheid era.
However, the MF welcomes the special allocation provided to support increased food production in order to combat the food crisis. The resources dedicated to support poor people in our communities must be utilised effectively and efficiently. The rapid rise in food prices over the past year has threatened food security. Rural development, starter packs for small and emerging farmers and acceleration in the pace of land and agrarian reform are vital in overcoming the challenges we are facing in the agriculture sector. The MF will support the budget. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Madam Chairperson, not far from here on the Cape Flats is a very successful farming community, the vegetable farmers of Philippi. My contribution today, which is also my maiden speech, will be about them and the role they play in contributing to our food security.
The Philippi farming area covers some five square kilometres in the middle of the Cape metropolitan area. The northern boundary is Lansdowne Road, next to Hanover Park; the western boundary is Strandfontein Road, next to Ottery and Grassy Park; the southern boundary is the proposed False Bay freeway, next to Strandfontein Village; and the eastern boundary is Vanguard Drive, next to Samora Machel and Mitchells Plain.
Most of the 30-odd farmers in the area today are fourth- and fifth- generation descendants of German immigrations of the late 19th century. These immigrants were given land in an area which the then colonial government regarded as wasteland, but through hard work and dedication they and their descendants transformed their small farms into the extremely productive units which they are today. Today, they cultivate some 1 100 hectares and the area is often referred to as the "larder of Cape Town", and for good reason. It is estimated that the value of annual production exceeds R200 million.
In 1990, approximately 54% of all vegetables sold at the Cape Town Fresh Produce Market came from Philippi, and some 54 different kinds of vegetable were produced in the area. Today, the area produces substantially larger volumes and, apart from still supplying the Cape Town Fresh Produce Market, increasing volumes go directly to private distribution centres and enter the cold chain to ensure a longer shelf life.
Supermarkets, such as Pick 'n Pay, Fruit and Veg City, Spar, Checkers and Woolworths in the Cape Town area, are bulk buyers of Philippi products. Substantial volumes are also exported to Namibia and other African states. Some products, for example carrots, are also exported to European retailers including Tesco.
Various secondary industries have also been established over the years, including nurseries, packaging facilities, organic fertiliser processing, a co-operative, a racehorse training and breeding centre, and mechanical and implements manufacturing and repair facilities. These industries provide an additional 400 to 500 employment opportunities.
Ongeveer 2 000 arbeiders werk aktief op die plase. Ongeveer 70% van hulle is ongeskoolde inwoners vanaf naburige nedersettings en baie van hulle is vroue. Die gebied is dus 'n betekenisvolle werkverskaffer op die Kaapse Vlakte.
Die gebied het uitstekende grond- en klimaatsomstandighede vir groenteverbouing en geniet daarby ook die voordeel van voldoende grondwater. In baie gevalle, deur wisselbou toe te pas, word tussen drie en vyf oeste per hektaar per jaar verbou, wat meebring dat werkers vir die grootste deel van die jaar van werk verseker is.
Van die vernaamste produkte wat geproduseer word is kopkool, blomkool, kropslaai, tien ander verskillende soorte sogenaamde "fancy" slaai, wortels, beet, spinasie, seldery, pietersielie, raap, murgpampoentjies, preie, uie, aartappels, soetrissies, gewone rissies, botterskorsies, pampoen, skorsies en verskillende soorte kruie.
Daar word ook intensief snyblomme gekweek, onder meer in plastiese tonnels, met varke geboer en melkerye bedryf.
Vrugteventers en plaaslike verspreiders koop in baie gevalle ook produkte regstreeks op die plase aan en verkoop dit in die omliggende woongebiede en verder. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Approximately 2 000 labourers actively work on the farms. About 70% of them are unskilled inhabitants of nearby settlements and many of them are women. This area is, therefore, a significant provider of labour on the Cape Flats.
This area has excellent soil and climate conditions for the cultivation of vegetables and has the advantage of sufficient groundwater. In many cases, by means of rotational cropping, between three and five harvests per hectare per year are cultivated, which result in labourers being assured of work for the greater part of the year.
Some of the most important products produced are cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, ten other types of so-called fancy lettuce, carrots, beetroot, spinach, celery, parsley, turnip, baby marrows, leeks, onions, potatoes, green peppers, ordinary chilli, butternuts, pumpkin, squash and various kinds of herbs.
Cut flowers are also cultivated intensively for instance in plastic tunnels, they farm with pigs and operate dairies. In many cases fruit- sellers and local distributors also buy products directly from the farms and sell them in the surrounding settlements and farther field.]
I am told that these farmers have never ever in their existence of 130 years requested any aid from the government, even in hard times. There can be no doubt that this is an extremely valuable and indispensable farming area in the Western Cape which should be nurtured at all cost.
Owing to its location and proximity to residential areas, the area is likely to increasingly come under threat from developers who are prepared to pay exorbitant prices for land. Unfortunately, the first signs are already there. We should not allow that to happen.
Selling off one piece of farming land, even on the fringes, will set a process in motion which will be difficult to stop and which could jeopardise the agricultural contribution of the area and threaten food security in our city and province. Should this be allowed, the big loser will not only be Philippi, but Cape Town, the Western Cape and South Africa and the tens and thousands of consumers who eat Philippi products every day without even realising where they come from. Consistency of food supply - food security - is needed and this area plays a critical part in the greater Cape Town area and even beyond to ensure that.
Allow me to end on a more personal note. Almost to the day, 35 years ago, I started work as a young Hansard reporter on the gallery of this very Chamber, and in later years sat as a secretary at the Table. It is, therefore, with nostalgia and also a real sense of appreciation of the responsibility of my role that I stand here today. In my time here I saw many a good and many, shall I say, not-so-good politician operate in this Chamber.
In closing, I wish to pay tribute to just four of them from these benches of yesteryear who helped shape the democratic South Africa that we all enjoy today. Together with others, they fought consistently for many years, against overwhelming odds, for the principles of the rule of law, of equality, of human rights and of opportunity - those same principles that my party today proudly espouses. I refer to Helen Suzman, Colin Eglin, Alex Boraine and Frederik van Zyl Slabbert. I am privileged to be able to honour their legacy here today. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mhlali ngaphambili, ngokusebenzisana sisonke singenza okuninzi. [Chairperson, together we can do a lot.]
Ek wil die agb lid Pretorius, wat ek al 'n kwarteeu ken, gelukwens met sy nooienstoespraak en ook sy kennis oor die rels en regulasies van hierdie agbare Huis. Die agb Minister en die Adjunkminister, ek wil u gelukwens met u nooienstoesprake in hierdie hoedanigheid. Ek het opdrag van die mense in die landbougemeenskap, dis nou werkers, boere, opkomende boere en almal, dat ek u albei hartlik gelukwens met hierdie pos en vra dat u 'n oopdeurbeleid sal volg en altyd bereidwillig sal wees om na standpunte te luister, al verskil daardie standpunte van di van ons regering.
Voorsitter, ek het aandagtig geluister na van die toesprake hier, en u weet, ek glo ook dat as daar 'n nooienstoespraak hier gemaak word, wil 'n mens nie baie graag daarop reageer nie, maar my goeie vriend mnr Lourie Bosman het onder andere gepraat van voedselsekerheid en dat daar toepaslike invoertariewe behoort te wees ten opsigte van die invoer van kos. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[I want to congratulate the hon member Pretorius, with whom I have been acquainted for a quarter of a century, on his maiden speech as well as his knowledge of the rules and regulations of this honourable House. Hon Minister and Deputy Minister, I want to congratulate you on your maiden speeches in this capacity. I have been charged by the people from the agricultural community, which include workers, farmers, emerging farmers and everyone else, to heartily congratulate both of you on your posts and ask you to keep an open-door policy and always be prepared to entertain points of view even though these may differ from those of the government.
Chairperson, I listened attentively to the speeches here, and you know, I believe that if a maiden speech has been made here, you don't really want to respond to it, but my good friend, Mr Lourie Bosman, has, among other things, spoken about food security and that we should have applicable import tariffs as far as the import of foodstuffs is concerned.]
I would like to say that we need to be very careful when we import foodstuffs that are being produced here and can be produced here, and when we should actually be building on that production. A small example is the following: every time you import a kilogram of, say, Brazilian chicken, you are importing with it a kilogram of maize because that chicken has consumed a kilogram of maize in that country. This means that we are run short of a kilogram of maize for every kilogram of chicken that we import. Our industry suffers as a result thereof.
We need to nurture our industries. We need to develop them and build them further. And, mind you, as far as the broiler industry is concerned, there are tremendous possibilities for up and coming people. Of course, it is a highly capital-intensive industry, and, of course, Madam Minister, I have come here today with a wish list on behalf of our constituency outside: that your department look very favourably at assisting our people in getting into that industry because, again, the surveys say that more and more people are eating white meat and less red meat, and then I and many others here will be suffering.
Then, of course, the hon newly elected member Carter spoke about the fact that one must force the hand of business when it comes to food pricing. I think the National Agricultural Marketing Council, NAMC, has conducted some studies and it has come forward with certain facts and figures.
En wragtig, agb Minister, moenie dink dat hierdie groot kapitaliste, die eienaars van die groot kettingwinkels, vir die volk van Suid-Afrika en die arm mense van Suid-Afrika 'n guns bewys nie. Dit gaan alles om hul eie winste. Dit gaan alles om wat die hoof uitvoerende beampte van daardie maatskappy kan kry - hoeveel miljoen rand aan die einde van die jaar. [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[And really, hon Minister, don't believe for a moment that these arch- capitalists - the owners of the large chain stores - will do the people of South Africa and the poor people of South Africa a favour. It is all about their own profits. It is all about what the chief executive officer of that company can get - how many millions of rand at the end of the year. [Applause.] ]
Therefore, I trust that just as Sasol, an organisation related to us as government, was hoodwinking the farming sector last year by colluding in terms of fertilizer prices - many of us paid R9 000, R10 000, or R12 000 for a ton of fertiliser, which a year before had cost about R2 000 to R2 200 per ton - we need to see that problems like collusion in pricing are curbed.
So, I agree with hon Carter there, but then she spoke about South African farmers who are seeking greener pastures in the DRC and that we are in danger and that we are in trouble. I want to assure the hon member Carter that my information is that those people are diversifying; they are not putting all their eggs in one basket. They are still farmers in this country but, you see, they have children that are growing up and those children must be exposed to Africa. And why shouldn't we, if our farmers are willing to help our fellow Africans grow food, participate and encourage them to do so? [Applause.]
As far as allocating more funds towards land reform is concerned, assisting beneficiaries and seeing to it that this whole programme succeeds, I want to tell the hon member Carter that I disagree that allocating more funds, as she says, is not the way to go. We need to say - and I agree with colleagues who have spoken before - that our budgets are not aligned with international commitments that we have made as a country. We need to see to it that agriculture gets more money so that we can grow the sector and especially the emerging sector.
Andersins gaan hierdie land onder - nie net die boere nie, die hele land... [Otherwise this country will suffer - not only the farmers, but the entire country ...]
... if we cannot grow food and assist that particular sector. And may I say, hon Minister, that what is important is for the department to have mechanisms and systems in place so that every rand we have is spent optimally, so that there is no wastage, so that where it is necessary for two officials to be flown somewhere, that two and not 20 fly and we spend unnecessarily.
Mrs Dudley spoke here of a budget for consultants. I must say that we need to look at that aspect as well. It is a cause for grave concern. The hon chairperson of my portfolio committee spoke about the Land Bank, calling for a moratorium on action to be taken against people who, in many cases, through no fault of their own, are unable to service their loans. I understand that upward of 800 such cases are being pursued by the Land Bank. It is a pity that in the heart of winter last year the Department of Agriculture lost control of the Land Bank. I make bold to say this - in spite of warnings from the portfolio committees at that time, and one of my former chairpersons is also sitting here - about the way the bank was being run and the way business was conducted.
However, we must now appeal through the Minister that we assist those people in whatever way we can. Perhaps the loans can be extended, the terms can be extended. But, then again, our problem is that the interest rates of the Land Bank and the way they do business are not farmer-friendly. Farmers go through extremely difficult periods. If there aren't droughts, then there is too much rain. If there isn't too much rain and it is dry, then there are veld fires. The farmer has a great deal on his plate to counteract.
With regard to some of the reform projects and redistribution projects in which agriculture has to be of assistance, at least 14 farms in the sugar- producing area of Heatonville near Empangeni, which were redistributed, produced reasonably good sugar cane crops in the first year after redistribution, but deteriorated in the second year and were a disaster in the third year. The cumulative effect of this failure is that an average of 50 workers per farm is now without work, with the United Nations norm of there being seven dependants.
Hon member, unfortunately your time has expired.
Chair, I was just warming up and now my time is gone. [Laughter.] Thank you very much, Chair. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: Chairperson, hon members of Cabinet, and I note a number of Cabinet colleagues and members of the House, I wish to congratulate all those members, particularly those who made their maiden speeches, on making a sizable contribution to the debate on agriculture today. I have noted the suggestions that many of you have made.
I have also noticed the concerns that you have raised. We will look into these and revert to Parliament on some of them in due course. We will collect all your speeches. Please make copies of all your speeches available to us before we get the official versions from Hansard. For that purpose, we will translate most of the Afrikaans speeches into English, as many of our officials did not have translation services available to them.
There are a number of matters that I would like to respond to immediately. For the others, I will have one-on-ones with the members and respond to them in discussions with them. The first is the Land Bank. We are in the process of restructuring and recapitalising the Land Bank. The Land Bank cannot be a commercial bank. In a developmental state, the Land Bank has to a developmental bank that cannot charge lending rates which are higher than commercial banks. [Applause.]
Currently, the Land Bank lends at a rate of prime plus five percent, which is a 19% return on investment, and this is too high for emerging farmers. They would have to plant diamonds if they were to repay their loans to the Land Bank.
The two Ministers, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform met with the Land Bank last Friday to look at how we can restructure the Land Bank and how we can renew their policies. So, before we take them back, we must first clean house. We don't want them in agriculture in their current state. So, let the Minister of Finance first clean out the Land Bank in terms of adding more money and then return it to us. [Applause.]
The second point is the economic viability that was spoken about by members Carter and Bosman. Hon member Bosman, it was a sad loss for the commercial agricultural sector when you left to go into politics. I think you were better serving agriculture as a commercial farmer. [Laughter.] [Applause.] But, anyway, now that you are sitting in the House, I have to respond to you as a politician and no longer as a commercial agriculture contributor, which is much better.
Economic viability is the mantra we are calling for. We can no longer settle farmers and two or three months later discover that those farms are dysfunctional or that those farms have run to wrack and ruin.
So, postsettlement support is what we are going to build on. We are confronted by an approach which forces us to be different towards commercial agriculture. Our confrontational approach towards the commercial agricultural sector already started changing from day one in terms of seeking to have a more co-operative approach with commercial agriculture.
In this regard, we have already met with Agri SA, and we will continue having a road show, a roundtrip programme, with members - you are welcome to join us on the road show - meeting emerging farmers and particularly meeting chiefs, as well as traditional leaders, in terms of what their experiences are and what their investment could be in agriculture.
The agriculture sector plan exists. We don't need a new plan. There is already a plan. But what we need to do is to look at the comprehensive rural development programme, which the ruling party developed in the Polokwane resolutions, as well as look at its manifesto resolutions. We don't need to reinvent a plan. We already have a plan. [Applause.]
Farmers who are moving to the Democratic Republic of the Congo will do so with the kind of knowledge base which is needed to grow agriculture in Africa and not only grow agriculture in South Africa. South Africa's farmers must feed South Africa's people, but Africa's farmers must also feed Africa's people.
The only caution that we gave our commercial agricultural farming sector, and we engaged with Agri SA on this, is that when they go, we cannot give them guarantees; that if the DRC decides to take back the land, that they don't come crying back to us to say that the land was taken away from them, as happened in Zimbabwe. So, when they go, they mustn't expect us to guarantee them their land or to act as security. We will not guarantee them any security. They are going as any private-sector business to invest in another country. If they lose their investments, they mustn't be crybabies and come back to us. [Applause.]
The Food for All campaign is a campaign we have structured with our comprehensive rural development programme, in line with our Limpopo resolutions, to say that there must food for all. High food prices, as well as the threatening of food security for the poorest of the poor, are going to be our challenges in the global economic meltdown.
On the point of agricultural colleges, as part of the Limpopo resolutions and the mandate we received, we have to work hard to make sure that those colleges are viable.
We spoke about the monopoly certain companies have over agricultural production. There are five companies which basically have a monopoly over fertilisers in this country. Those five companies control the prices and where we have to buy, and breaking those monopolies is going to be strategic for us. I am talking about millions of South Africans who have lived in continued poverty, have suffered from ongoing hunger and disease, and have remained unemployed. We cannot have the divide between those who are well off and those who are poor and marginalised continuing in the sector.
So, I'm not planning to be a rain queen. I am planning to address the gap of poverty and the gap of the poor and the marginalised. [Applause.] My mandate is not to strengthen one sector to the disadvantage of the poorest of the poor. [Interjections.] I would have failed in my mandate if I did not achieve the integration of farming communities in South Africa where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
It is in this regard that we must work together to do more. We will listen to all stakeholders. We will listen to those who have competence and skills. We do not have the luxury and the time to reinvent the wheel. There are historically advantaged commercial farmers who have the knowledge and who have the know-how, and there is goodwill amongst white commercial farmers. There exists goodwill. They want to help.
It is tapping into that goodwill that is important and not to always blame and label white commercial farmers as the enemy. They are patriotic. [Applause.] There are patriotic white South Africans who want to help this country, and we will tap into the patriotic white South Africans who believe that their collective future lies in this government and in this country.
We have a new mandate. Many white South Africans believe in the government of the ANC, so don't be challenged by that. We have chosen a path which is not an easy path. The path of bringing stakeholders together in agriculture is not going to be an easy task.
Hierdie pad is 'n verkose pad. Ons het dit gekies. Dit is 'n weldeurdagte pad, omdat ons nou hande moet vat. [This is a chosen path. We have chosen it. As this is a well thought-out path, we have to take one another's hands.]
We have no choice. We don't have all the knowledge. My officials do not have all the experience and all the capacity. We do not have extension officers with all the knowledge and all the capacity, but we cannot have mentor farmers who are condescending, patronising, racist in their nature. We are going to need mentors who participate in shareholding agreements in joint ventures so that they share the risk of failure. If a farm collapses, it is going to be the responsibility of both white and black farmers to address the failure.
Die bre uitleg wat ons vandag aan u voorhou, agb lede, is ons manier van bevestig dat elke reis begin met die eerste tree. [The broad framework that we present to you today, hon members, is our way of confirming that every journey starts with one step.]
We are starting with new steps. We apologise if we have made mistakes in the past. Allow me to pay tribute to those who have come before me, like the hon Dirk du Toit, whose tireless efforts in meaningful rural change should be documented. His legacy is what should also be remembered. Hon member, it is not only for you to recognise the legacy of your own party; recognise the legacy of all those in the Chambers who have left footprints for all of us. [Applause.]
It is with sadness that I join my deputy in announcing the untimely passing away last night of our Deputy Director-General: Corporate and Financial Services, Mr Tommy Marais. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues. This is one Afrikaner who also stood for transformation in our department. I will really miss him.
I look forward to working with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. I look forward to working with our chairpersons and our members of various parliamentary committees. I am also looking forward to working with stakeholders in agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
I would like to thank the director-general and the entire staff of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the relinquishing departments' directors-general, as well as the director-general who is now with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and no longer with Agriculture.
I want to thank the provincial departments of agriculture and the state- owned entities for participating in the work of the department, the chairperson of Agri SA, Mr Mller, for his contribution and for offering advice, even though I don't always agree with him. He does allow me to break my neck. He also allows me to make mistakes.
I hope, hon members in this House, that you will mentor us, that you will monitor us, that you will evaluate us, and that the impact of our programmes will impact your constituencies. If we fail to impact on your constituencies, your oversight will justify our pulling up our bootstraps right up to our necks. Your oversight will justify and vindicate the confidence of our people in this government. We will not be satisfied with anything less. We want to reinforce the message we worked hard for when the people of South Africa crafted the manifesto. The manifesto was not crafted by the ANC Luthuli House.
Our exciting programmes announced before the elections now need implementation. These programmes need to bring us together so that we can do more.
Deur saam te werk, kan ons baie meer vermag. Ons het 'n verantwoordelikheid teenoor die armstes van die armes in hierdie land. [By working together, we can achieve more. We have a responsibility towards the poorest of the poor of this country.]
With our new mandate, we will make a significant contribution to eradicate poverty, to build livelihoods, to build the rural poor and to be a critical and viable instrument and a critical catalyst for rural economic empowerment, black economic empowerment in particular.
I want to thank the former Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs for her hands-on approach as she hands over the baton to the Deputy Minister and me. The chairperson of the portfolio parliamentary committee ...
Communist Party!
The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: ... Communist Party. Comrade Lulu Johnson, we will be depending on your vision, we will be depending on your rapping us over the knuckles; and, comrades, in a comradely fashion, you will call us to order. You can recall us, as the organisation knows how to recall those who are talking out of line and who do not adhere to ANC policy. We are here not just to implement the policies of our government, but also to serve the people of our country. Thank you very much, Madam. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.