8 February 2007
Cape Town: The Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs held a National
Intergovernmental Forum on Agriculture and Land to review progress on Operation
Gijima, a government approach at fast-tracking land and agrarian reform and
overhauling the department's delivery systems.
The forum, comprising the Ministry, MECs and Heads of Department (HODs),
reviewed agricultural activities to assess the capacities and limitations of
the sector. Areas of concern discovered through the day long discussions were
the slow paced implementation progress. Equally, the synergy that is now taking
shape between the functioning of national, provincial and local governments was
applauded. Considering that Operation Gijima was launched over a year ago, the
Minister was satisfied with the forum's steadfast progress to realise its
goals.
Equally satisfied were the MECs, especially with the approach taken by the
Minister in leading this portfolio and delivery of the desired outcome. Gijima,
which means "run," seeks to unleash the potential and excitement of everyone in
the sector. The MECs have, however cautioned that such a fast paced approach
also has its challenges that may come in the form of disgruntlements and
confrontations from those who normally hide their indolence in the bureaucracy.
They further emphasised that it was important that "When such challenges come
they should not tempt the minister to release the pressure pedal, since that
will not be in the interest of work and progress loving people in the system
and the sector as a whole." Regardless, Minister Xingwana received the full
support of all MECs in pursuing and implementing Operation Gijima.
For further information contact:
Priscilla Tsotso Sehoole
Chief of Communications
Department of Agriculture
Tel: (012) 319 7317
Fax: (012) 319 7858
Cell: 083 452 5743
E-mail: CDCoC@nda.agric.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture
8 February 2007
