Question NW2176 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
21 December 2020 - NW2176
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) On what basis does her department continue to support the contested export of live animals, such as the export of thousands of sheep from the Northern Cape, via East London to the Middle East, given the cruelty to the animals and the potential loss of local jobs and loss of income; (2) how does her department intend to replace the jobs and income lost to the local farming communities and the meat processing industry and its dependants; (3) what progress has been made with the introduction of a proposed new Animals Protection Bill, undertaken by her predecessor in 2013 in the National Assembly, and pending this, regulations governing live export, especially in anticipation of the new export trade with Kuwait and the ongoing export of cattle to Mauritius; (4) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
1. The National Development Plan (NDP) articulates the importance of both the domestic and exports markets towards realization of the inclusive growth of the agricultural sector. Further, the strategic plan of the Department supports cogent and sustainable agricultural business practices that will ensure economic transformation, inclusive growth and international competitiveness of the sector. Critical to inclusive growth is the participation of previously disadvantaged producers and communities in the mainstream agricultural value chains and export markets. Inclusive growth relates to creating value chain opportunities for penetration and participation by agribusinesses accompanied by growing jobs for the sector. The export of live animals from South Africa allows and provides the base for such participation. The Department only allows these exports when conducted within and in compliance to applicable legislation, including welfare legislation, the Animal Protection Act, 1962 (Act No. 24 of 1962) which regulates against cruelty to animals.
2. Inclusive economic growth is reliant on the competitiveness of the agribusinesses. Further, competitiveness of the agribusinesses drives the ability of the agricultural sector to create sustainable jobs.
3. The Department is working on a draft Animal Welfare Bill for introduction to the National Assembly in the next financial year. The department has received a positive response in the Phase 1 socio-economic impact assessment system (SEIAS) application to the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) and has started with internal consultation (DALRRD and provincial Departments of Agriculture) on the draft.
A two-pronged approach towards addressing regulations has been adopted by the Department. Firstly, the Department is drafting regulations relating to the export of live animals under the current Animals Protection Act, 1962 as an interim measure. Secondly the Department will draft new Regulations under the intended Animal Welfare Act once the new Bill has been assented to.
4. No.