Allow me to acknowledge all small-scale and commercial farmers present here today; to talk about ending hunger, poverty and creating decent jobs. We must make sure that as farmers we graduate from being small to commercial, we must grow. We must graduate to being commercial farmers.
In our journey of farming, let's involve children and teach them about how agricultural works to remove the thinking that milk comes from dairy, meat from butchery and vegetables from chain stores. We must encourage our children to be involved in agriculture, so that they understand that agriculture contribute to the economy of this country. At the same time, we must encourage and ensure that our children go to school. There will be no future for them if they do not go to school to acquire skills and knowledge.
I have listened attentively to our children/groups when performing here today, as parents we must teach them the correct language or songs that help to build the nation. The kind of songs they sang today are not contributing to that.
Sometime last year, we had a meeting about this launch and I promised that I would attend and support the projects. I also promised that Gauteng Department of Agriculture, and Rural Development (GDARD) would support any initiatives that are aligned to government priorities. We must remember that we have five plus two priorities set by the government as per the ANC election manifesto:
- Creation of decent work and sustainable livelihoods
- Education
- Health
- Rural development, food security and land reform
- Fighting against crime and corruption
- Strengthening developmental state
- Building cohesive community
GDARD work and support
Programme director, let me repeat the words of our State President Jacob Zuma when he said, “2010 is the year of action” and those of Gauteng Premier Mme Nomvula Mokonyane when she said ,” Kuyasheshwae Gauteng
GDARD has programmes that will help you act. We have programmes such as farmers support, agricultural economic and marketing and agricultural technology. Through farmers' settlement programmes, the department can assist in developing farmers involved in agricultural activities. We can assist with tilling the land agro-processing. Agro-processing includes packaging houses, and abattoirs which can be the main or dominant agricultural practice in the province.
On the land issue, government has committed itself to distribute and transfer 30 percent of the land to African people and only six percent has been transferred due to expense of the process. GDARD does not have a mandate on issues of land. What the department can do is to help farmers make application to access the land identified for agriculture. Land is in the hand of our national and local government (municipalities). Government can help through the Plus and Mafisa programmes. We understand from farmers on the Plus programme that the leasing period of three to seven years is too short. We agree with you because the lease lapses as the farmers begin to make profit. The national Ministers of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform are reviewing this matter.
What we need to do together is to identify empty land and develop a data base and zone that land for agricultural purposes. We will through our Randfontein office investigate the possibilities of having an Agricultural Hub in this area, region G. We will deliberate with your leadership on programmes and land available in this area.
We will help you apply and gain access to finances such as Mafisa from the Land Bank and CASP. The department will also assist in skills development through extension services to farmers, and provide productive inputs and infrastructure, such as fencing etc.
Gauteng Province has established a Food Bank in West Rand jointly with the Department of Health and Social Development. We intend to roll out this Food Bank across the province. We will investigate the possibilities of having one in this area.
Through GDARD's agricultural economics and marketing component, we will help farmers identify markets for their produce, train them on when markets are right to sell and other market-related matters, such as pricing produce for the market.
Challenges
- Developers continue to build houses on land zoned for agricultural activities
- There is no agricultural hub in Johannesburg - South Deep Region G included. We must Investigate possibilities create agricultural hub in this area.
- Intense research about agricultural activities must be done in this area
- Information on sustainable use of water should be provided
- The Randfontein office is too far, so we must investigate possibilities of having an office nearer your area.
Conclusion
We must build viable communities in agriculture that will create sustainable job within the sector. We must grow the sector to contribute towards economic growth. Most importantly, we must protect our environment.
One area farmers lack is in creating a conducive environment for their workers. We must treat farm workers as human beings and build them decent houses. We must remember that farm workers are also protected by labour laws of this country. Let's use the land productively. We can prove those wrong who believe that black people cannot farm successfully.
I want to repeat what I said earlier: that we must work with local councilors, local government and ward committees
And finally, I call on you to continue to support Bafana Bafana, our soccer pride despite their exit from the FIFA World Cup. Let's now support other African countries still participating in the tournament. This is African's World Cup, the first of its nature on African soil. Go to fan parks and stadia to support them. As South Africans we have already won by hosting this important event without hiccups.
We appreciate the passion and commitment of your leadership.
Again let us all remember that working together we can do more. Kuyasheshwa eGauteng!
Thank you.
Source: Department of Agriculture, and Rural Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
