I want to thank: The Chairperson of the Board; The Board; The Chief Executive Officer, and each and every official at Casidra for your hard work and dedication during the past year.
Agriculture in the Western Cape is entering a new phase, bringing new challenges and expectations from the province's people. Due to the current depressed financial climate, we will have to do more with less, and the only way to achieve this will be to work harder, but at the same time, also smarter.
With this in mind, I want to tell you that I am aware of the fact that, in line with Article 67, three members of this board have reached the ends of their respective terms. I am also aware of the fact that I may replace them if I so pleases. But I really appreciate their knowledge and contribution towards Casidra and I am therefore grateful that they are prepared to continue serving on the Board. Thank you very much for that.
The chairperson, Advocate Gesie van Deventer, is entrusted with a significant responsibility. I want to thank her for her willingness in accepting this position. Advocate van Deventer is entrusted with the responsibility of providing the direction and fulfilling the decision making role that the position of Chairman of Casidra requires.
Together with the Chief Executive Officer, you have to form a team that will work effectively and deliver positive results. You will need to take responsibility for the positive, but also the negative, aspects of Casidra's activities. You will need to work together also in reporting to me and my Department.
I also want to use this opportunity to congratulate Jannie Roos with his appointment to the Board. I wish him all the best with this appointment, and good luck.
A new challenge for us will be rural development. Cabinet recently approved a framework and processes chart which will lead to a Rural Development Strategy for the Western Cape.
In this regard a Chief Director: Rural Development will be appointed to drive the implementation of the rural development strategy. Rural Development is a transversal programme. Accordingly a provincial rural development task team will be established. This is now part of my portfolio as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and as such I foresee a close working relationship with Casidra in this regard. Rural Development is fortunately already entrenched in many of Casidra's activities. Mechanisms will have to be put in place that will ensure that rural development initiatives being undertaken by Casidra are appropriately reported on.
It is important to note that we all need to be guided by the principles of the Western Cape's Open Opportunity Society. In this society people are allowed to achieve on their own merit, and not on those of their connections. Casidra also need to be grounded on the values of honesty and corruption-free conduct. These values are prerequisites for Casidra to move into the future and to play a positive role in the Western Cape.
I want to conclude with this: The need out there is great. Please be efficient and make a difference with your actions. Doing this will also secure Casidra's continued existence. I thank you.
Contact:
Wouter Kriel
Tel: 021 483 4700
Source: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Western Cape Provincial Government
