Honourable Speaker, Honourable Deputy Speaker, Honourable Premier, Honourable members of legislature and NCOP
Honourable colleagues in the executive,
Honourable Members of the House,
Veterans of our struggle,
Traditional leaders,
Leaders of labour and business,
Director-General of the province,
Chapter nine and ten institutions,
Heads of Departments,
Farmers and farm workers,
Invited guests,
Media houses,
Distinguished guest and friends
I greet you all.
Honourable Speaker,
This budget speech is presented in an environment where the focus is on improving the quality of life of the citizens. The department of Agriculture is focused on fulfilling the mandate of the ANC election manifesto. It continues to prioritised the sustainable land utilisation for agrarian transformation and farmer support initiatives.
Honourable speaker, agricultural production requires land the Premier reminded us in his state of the province addressthat this year 2013 we mark the 100 year of the Native Land Act of 1913.
Our forefathers fought prolonged wars aimed at defending their possessions including land, livestock and culture which were important in defining who we are in this country. The victory of colonialism over our people was concluded in
1913 under the Native Land Act, which reserved only 13% of the land for the sole occupation of the Africans, from where colonial economy could draw whatever labour it needed. The 87% of land with all industries was controlled by
the colonial government.
The Land Act of 1913 came a year after the formation of the ANC in 1912. Severe challenges to all peace loving South Africans who had to adapt to new forms of struggle against oppression. We see this determination in the generation of
Moses Kotane, J.B. Marks, Oliver Tambo, Flag Boshielo and others most of whom were born after 1913 Land Act, growing up under repressive laws including the job colour bar, pass laws, Native Administration Act; thus they became a unique leadership with honest integrity and respected the people they led. The results of the Census 2011 show us that the population size of Limpopo province has grown from by 3.2% since 2007. As a matter of fact this has placed additional pressure on the budget and food security level of the province.
The number of people living in poverty within the five districts of the province has decreased as shown by the Census 2011, despite this success, we are very much concerned about the number people who still face the real daily struggle
against poverty. The resolution of Cabinet Lekgotla of July 2011 has indicated that four of our five districts are being classified amongst the 23 underdeveloped and poverty stricken districts and as such they require to be given priority and special National Attention.
Honourable Speaker, poverty, inequality and unemployment are our three unmistakable nemeses that continue to undermine the gains of our hard fought liberation. It is therefore important that our efforts as the Limpopo Government should ensure that these triple challenges are eradicated.
It cannot be over-emphasized that our province is predominately rural. With its majestic view and natural resources such good soils and climate we are fortunate as a province. It is very important that our approach to development is
informed by our courage to develop our rural population.
It is indeed very true that “development is about people”. We are delighted by the adoption of the National Development Plan as the blue print that sets a 2030 vision for the country. The Honourable President Zuma set the tone for development and together with New Growth Path and our LEGDP; we see the agricultural sector assuming the most critical role for development. The policy mandate for agriculture is clear as articulated from the national level to the provinces. The implementation of the New Growth Path is gaining momentum and we will indicate how the department will contribute to job creation and food security.
The strategic infrastructure projects (SIP) identified by the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Council (PICC) will assist in this regard. Specifically relevant to this Department is SIP 11, which deals with Agri-logistics and rural
infrastructure.
