The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in association with the CEOs of the different private sectors, held a meeting sponsored by the Industrial Development Cooperation (IDC) about issues that challenge both government and the private sector on 24 April 2013.
Decisions were taken during the meeting regarding the Land Audit and the uncertainty that surrounds land policies. It was agreed that the Director-General or the Chief Land Surveyor of the Department Rural Development and Land Reform would be present in the next meeting to present a comprehensive picture about their policy initiatives around land reform.
With regards to the Strategic Infrastructure Project 11 (SIP 11) which addresses agro logistics and rural infrastructure constraints in the country, the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) has been commissioned by the department to monitor and evaluate SIP 11. SIP 11 is a partnership between the private and public sectors where the Acting Director-General, Mr Sipho Ntombela suggested that the private sector, though they have projects they fund themselves, should report to the department about their progress. In this way, the department may assist them with skills development and funding among other things so that the department can keep record of job creation within the sector.
The Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) from the West Coast red lobster sector, represented by Ms Mymoena Poggenpoel, commented about the joys of working with the department and were pleased with how the issues of small-scale fisheries were being addressed.
There is an implementing body which meets every six weeks and serves as the arm of the forum. The steering committee oversees and reports to the plenary about implementations that were discussed and implemented. The next forum meeting will be held in October 2013. The CEO Forum meeting is held twice every year and involves the partnership between government and the private sectors in agriculture, forestry and fisheries. The chairmanship rotates between the industry and the department.
For media enquiries please contact:
Steve Galane
Acting Chief Director: Stakeholder Relations and Communications
Cell: 083 635 7346
E-mail: SteveGAL@daff.gov
