Life will not be the same for local smallholder farmers of Marapyane village in Mpumalanga, when on Thursday, 17 June they receive 85 tractors as part of a move by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) to encourage more black people back into the culture of farming and agriculture
The programme, dubbed 'masibuyele emasimini', backed up by an investment of R150 million, forms part of government's efforts to create decent work, sustainable livelihoods and ensure food security for all.
President Jacob Zuma has endorsed the programme and he will address the community of Marapyane at the hand-over event.
According to Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the programme will be rolled out in three provinces, namely Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
“The issue of rural development and land reform is very high up in government’s agenda as there some real opportunities in the way of decent jobs and entrepreneurship. The state is committed to affording all players in this sector sufficient support and infrastructure,” says Minister Joemat-Pettersson.
Joemat-Pettersson reiterates that while transformation remains a key and the state is vigorously encouraging the emergence of black farm owners, the expertise, experience and importance of traditional white farmers cannot be over-looked and that the department will continue to provide them with support.
Continues Joemat-Pettersson, “By now we are all aware that 2010 is the year for service delivery and government is committed to partnering with people to create a better life for all. The goal is to provide sufficient support and opportunities to improve production and access domestic and global markets.”
The programme will roll out in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape in the next two years.
For more information please contact:
Tshwane Malope
Cell: 073 5252 5221
E-mail: tshwane@kingmaker.co.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
14 June 2010
