C Mokitlane: NAFU Annual Congress 2006

12 June 2006

Introduction

Let me first start by saying:

“May our sons in their youth be like plants that grow up strong. May our
daughters be like stately pillars which adorn the corners of a palace. May our
barns be filled with crops of every kind. May the sheep in our fields bear
young by the tens of thousands. May our cattle reproduce plentifully without
miscarriage or loss.” (Psalm 144:12 - 14.)

There are few things that I’d like to mention as part of welcoming all of
you this morning.

First, it is to mention at the risk of boring you that this province is
central in producing food in South Africa. You will surely be well attuned and
enriched with the smell of harvest as you proceed with you deliberations.

Secondly, National African Farmers Union (NAFU) is an organisation of people
who suffered. And I believe NAFU is an organisation of people (yourself) who
are prepared to suffer no more but a people who strive to dwell together in
unity and prosperity. This will be possible only if you organisation uphold
high moral values and maintain good institutional and business principles.

1. Historical significance of the Youth Month - the timing of this congress
is good because it does not only occur within a period of hope but it also
happens within a month in which we honour the courage and sacrifice of the
youth of 1976 and beyond.

2. Democratisation of agriculture – It is important to open agriculture to
all and to support those who have been left out before. The conference is held
at the right time when the mood is conducive all understand that there are new
legitimate role players within the sector. The democratisation process needs
all to participate to map out a lasting dispensation for agriculture. These
decisions inevitably include fundamental issues such as building unity,
bringing prosperity to more people and developing the agricultural sector.

3. Agrarian development - at the heart of agrarian reform is land
acquisition for agricultural development, agriculture cannot be without land.
NAFU is critical in the land reform process as it is part of legitimate voices
that call for logical land distribution. It is part of the movement that is
determined to settle and support black farmers.

4. Empowerment tools - prosperous agricultural sector will find true
expression in many democratic, developmental and empowerment tools at our
disposal such as Agri – Black Economic Empowerment (AgriBEE), Accelerated and
Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA) and Joint Initiative on
Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA). But it will also find expression in the
goodwill of those who are well established in agriculture and other
sectors.

5. Youth maintaining economic vibrancy and sustainability - agriculture
should be a significant contributor in building a lasting and inclusive
economy. It is important to invest in human capital. Youth is in the right
position to take agriculture forward. Young people have the strength to pull
through and are therefore custodians’ future agriculture. The emphasis is to
consciously prepare and include young people meaningfully in agricultural
development so as to ready them to face the challenge of the future.

More formal education is needed to equip young people. Agriculture is about
how we increase our capacities in maintaining the volumes of our granaries.
Youth empowerment is therefore appropriate strategy for succession of farmers
and agricultural entrepreneurs.

May you be imbued with wisdom and strength during and after your
congress.

You are therefore heartily welcomed in the Free State Province.

I thank you!

Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Free State Provincial Government
12 June 2006