Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development met with agri-business and environmental management businesses on Friday, 9 April 2010, to develop partnerships in service delivery to the people of Gauteng, during the Stakeholders Summit held at Turffontein race course.
The purpose of the summit was to identify opportunities for public private sector partnerships in commercial and sustainable farming and waste management, especially in recycling and collection of general waste. This initiative is part of the rural development and food security strategy and aligned to job creation within the sectors.
Mostly from the agricultural and environment fraternity, delegates listened attentively to Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Ms Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, when she tabled her concerns and the challenges faced by the sector.
According to the MEC, the summit was the beginning of a long journey to a truly united democratic, non-racial and non-sexist society in which the value of all citizens is measured by their contribution to social and economic transformation, regardless of race, gender and economic status.
MEC pointed out the need to act as one in improving life for all and in ensuring that transformation of the sector is done with all race groups collaborating to strengthen working relations and ensure food security for all.
"We want to export more food to the continent and the world rather than import food," said MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza.
Key speakers at this event included representatives from the Agriculture Chamber of Commerce (focusing on agricultural business opportunities available for agricultural and rural development), Johannesburg Fresh Produce (focusing on the availability of the market to producers) and the Institute of Waste Management of South Africa (focusing on managing waste as a business opportunity).
Representatives from Gauteng provincial government departments, municipalities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community based organisations, farmers unions, environmental organisations, associations and representatives of the private sector were also represented at the summit.
Issued by: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
13 April 2010
Source: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gdard.gpg.gov.za/)
