Industry organization Agri SA has expressed its approval of Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen’s appointment as the new Agriculture Minister, along with Mzwanele Nyhontso’s appointment as Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, with the two departments now functioning as separate ministries.
Leadership for a Thriving Agriculture Sector
Agri SA CEO Johann Kotzé is confident that under the new leadership, the agriculture sector will flourish and continue to be a pillar of the economy. He emphasizes the significance of focusing on three critical areas: improving productivity, sustainability, and profitability to achieve food security.
Key Priorities for the Agriculture Sector
By prioritizing these factors, Agri SA believes that social stability can also be improved nationwide. Kotzé highlights the importance of increasing exports, pursuing new markets, and enhancing competitiveness to ensure continued economic support from the agriculture sector.
Agri SA also remains committed to promoting policies and practices that safeguard and enhance natural resources for the sector’s long-term viability.
Agricultural Research Council’s Endorsement
The Agricultural Research Council has also welcomed the new appointments, expressing optimism that Steenhuisen will champion sustainable agricultural practices, provide substantial support for smallholder farmers, and strengthen efforts towards food security.
Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa chief economist Wandile Sihlobo emphasizes the need for policy continuity regardless of the new appointments. He points to the Agriculture and Agroprocessing Master Plan as the overarching framework for driving the sector forward, particularly in terms of job creation.
Essential Elements for Success
Sihlobo outlines several key elements for the Master Plan’s success: releasing 2.5 million hectares of state-owned land to beneficiaries, implementing action plans on animal health, resolving delays in the Registrar’s office, improving port efficiency for exports, enhancing irrigation and water infrastructure management, and addressing rural crime effectively.
Sihlobo also stresses the importance of not neglecting scientific advancements, such as improved seed varieties. Additionally, he emphasizes that more effective municipal service delivery could significantly boost farmers’ international competitiveness and job creation through better infrastructure maintenance and management.