Speech delivered by Mrs L Johnson, MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development during the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Summit on Sustainable Agricultural Development

Programme director
HOD of the department, Dr Sizwe Mkhize
Our Stakeholders from public and private entities
Delegates/Young Farmers from all Districts
Esteemed members of the press
Ladies and gentlemen
Good morning

Our gathering here today is twofold, firstly is to convene a summit on Sustainable Agricultural Development, where we trash out issues of youth development in the agricultural sector. Secondly is to commemorate the youth uprisings of 16 June 1976. Let me also mention that all of this is taking place at the backdrop of the country’s loss of two of its great leaders, the legends of our time, Professor Kader Asmal and Mama Albertina Sisulu, who both recently passed away. The country is still reeling from the untimely departure of these leaders who have contributed immensely to our democracy. 

While we bid them farewell, we also remember the role they played in 1976 along with the throngs of other brave young black students who defied the apartheid regime. During this month, we are reminded of the sacrifices they made in order for you and me to enjoy the fruits of the democracy they fought so hard for.

They gave up their lives for it, as many of them died when apartheid security forces fiercely opened fire on the innocent children who had embarked on a protest march to voice their unhappiness about the unjust education policies. So! 16 June 1976, is a day that jogs bitter memories and yet a day in which we continue to celebrate as we reflect on the sad moments of our past. Often and again, we need to draw lessons from the courage they had to confront the challenges that prevailed then, as we build on their legacy by addressing the socio economic ills of today, as young people.

In you I see the same spirit that the youth of 1976 had, hunger and zeal to deal with the socio economic challenges of today especially the scourge of poverty. I see activists who are taking today’s struggle against unemployment and poverty forward. Young people who are not just complaining about the problems they have but are instead doing something solve them and at the same time make a meaningful contribution to the country’s economy.

We started with the notion of having a summit during this month only last year. I am more than delighted to see that we are moving quite well with them. Your response and contribution to them is quite meaningful to us as the department. Today we have decided to bring all of you under one roof so that we can share information and experiences about how some of you, have managed to beat the odds and established themselves into being the farmers that you are today.

The aim is also to check on progress of your work now that you are in our database. This information will also help other people who aspire to succeed just like you and it will assist us as government to gain an insight into the goings on, in your life. This whole exercise will empower us to strategies how best we can assist you going forward. Above all it gives us an opportunity to engage better, face to face and reach a common understanding about charting the way forward.

I have a soft spot for young people because I know that you are the future of this country. In Zulu we say “Inkunzi isematholeni”. Therefore the department is committed to facilitate all activities aimed at empowering youth in agriculture and rural development as a group that requires special focus. We will spare no effort to promote agriculture as a profession so that young people can see it as attractive and a worthwhile career to pursue. There is no way we are going to leave our youth out of a sector that is so lucrative such that we are committed to give you all the necessary technical supportwhich is essential in order for you to become key role players in the sector.

This undertaking augurs very well with our theme which says “Advancing Young Farmers through Agricultural farming for sustainable job creation” We want to support you so that your efforts may begin to translate into tangible benefits in food security programmes and the economic development of our province. We want to see you become fully fledged commercial farmers who are running successful businesses.

Our contribution therefore is not only limited to giving you financial support but is also geared more towards training, capacity building in terms of skills and giving information so that you have the knowhow of running your businesses. In turn we will be creating a thriving agricultural sector we need to create vibrant and sustainable communities.

All the contributions heard here today will be consolidated into a programme of action for advancing youth in this province. The department is prioritising the youth program and the KwaZulu-Natal youth policy will be developed in consultation with all youth formations.

In conclusion I wish to urge all of to stay resolute in setting your sights towards achieving that which you want for yourselves. But please bear in mind that all of these things will be achievable only if you commit to implementing resolutions after this and move with a clear plan of action. I also wish to state that as the summit draws to an end, surely this is not the last time we are conversing on issues before us; perhaps we will continue to do so on site interactions. Before I sit down, I would like to express a word of gratitude for making this summit a success. I am certain that we are all invigorated, therefore let us all go back home and work even harder.

I thank you.
Ngiyabonga.