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.]