The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has noted the statement issued by Pieter van Dalen of the Democratic Alliance DA) distorting Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson’s response to the National Assembly with regard to events the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) hosted in 2011.
DAFF hosted two series of public meetings in the Cederberg Municipallty at two different venues – Wupperthal and Clanwilliam – during the period 1 August to 31 December 2011.
These meetings were in accordance with a government programme of Public Participation and Community Outreach and in both instances the Minister delivered the keynote address.
DAFF spent R184 378.97 on sound system, T-shirts and catering for 1 000 people. All expenditure for the specified meetings was incurred in compliance with the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999.
The T-shirts distributed were indeed bright yellow, featuring the coat of arms of the Republic, a picture of President Jacob Zuma and a slogan Working together for fisheries.
It is a total lie that these were ANC T-shirts. Mr Van Dalen must prove this and not make unfounded allegations. The ANC has no copyright to yellow shirts, black lettering or the face of the President of the Republic.
These meetings and their purpose fell squarely within the Department Strategic Plan 2011/12 to 2014/15 (Strategic Goal 4 and 6).
The Ministry cannot be held responsible for Mr Dalen’s dislike of bright yellow shirts and will not be responsible for making a connection between the shirt colour and he ANC colours.
Similarly, DAFF has used many variations of the theme “Working Together For ...” for numerous of its events including the Budget Vote Speech of 2011/12. The use of such slogan is not new or unique.
With regard to taking the Minister to the Public Protector, the Ministry wishes him luck.
For more information contact:
Rams Mabote
Special Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Tel: +27 12 319 6886 or +27 21 467 4500
Fax: +27 12 319 6681 or +27 21 465 6550
Cell: +27 84 666 0566
E-mail: rams@daff.gov.za
