Hansard: NA: Mini-plenary (Debate on Vote 29)
House: National Assembly
Date of Meeting: 09 May 2023
Summary
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Minutes
UNREVISED HANSARD
MINI PLENARY - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TUESDAY, 9 MAY 2023
VOTE NO 29 – AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Watch: Mini-Plenary (Debate on Vote 29)
The House met at 10:00
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON Mr C T Frolick took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayer and meditation.
(APPROPRIATION BILL)
Debate on Vote NO 29 – Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development:
The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORN AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT: Hon Chairperson, hon members, Deputy Ministers Skwatsha and Capa, Chairperson and members of the portfolio committee, Members of our Statutory Board present here, our director-general, senior officials, Special Master of Labour Tenants, Prof Richard Levin, our Food Agriculture Organisation
Country Representative, Dr Babagana Ahmadu, sector representatives in their various capacities they may not be in this House but I know they have logged in on the platform, senior representatives in their various capacities, senior officials from the department and its entities, ladies and gentlemen., good morning, Avuxeni! Molweni! Goeie More!
Sanibonani.
The year 2023 marks the 110th year of the promulgation of the Native Land Act, which alienated the indigenous people of our country of their birth right, their dignity and economic and social wellbeing from their land. This is a past that we all seek to redress. South Africa’s rich agricultural heritage has long been an integral component of the nation’s economy and cultural fabric. The lingering effects of apartheid and colonialism have created disparities in resource allocation, infrastructure, and opportunities for growth in the agricultural sector. Additionally, the multifaceted challenges have further hindered the ability of traditional agricultural areas known before as the reserves to thrive. The limited market access of these rural spaces has also curtailed the potential for economic growth and self-sustainability among these communities.
In this financial year, we make a case for investment in these areas following the analysis that has been done by our spatial planning unit and the economic team from the National Agricultural Marketing Council, NAMC. This also follows engagement with traditional leaders through the National House. Through the work of this team it is clear that if we restore even a mere 10 per cent of this land in the rural areas by putting it back into production we can increase the real GDP by R59 billion over and above the business-as-usual baseline if everything remains the same.
This could unlock approximately 500 000 job opportunities in agriculture and related rural economic activities. This assessment is supported by work that some of our provinces have been doing in mapping the potential of the land for various regions. If we take the greening Mpumalanga project where in each district certain areas have been identified and supported, initial shoots have been positive making it clear that investment, skills development, infrastructure development, and enterprise support can turn rural areas into economic districts. The work that we have done also confirms the research undertaken in support of the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master plan. We will upscale the mapping and
geospatial analysis of our communities using our drone’s technology. This analysis will strengthen our understanding of these rural areas that is suitable for crop cultivation and grazing.
Today we are tabling the Budget for Vote 29, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development for your consideration and support, members. The overall allocation for this financial year is R17,254,348 billion including transfers to provinces as part of the Division of Revenue Act as well as to the entities that supports the work of the department in terms of our constitutional mandate.
This 2023-24 allocation will enable us to implement programmes that continue to address food security needs of our communities and our country, address land hunger, transform spatial planning, and contribute towards the development of our rural areas in partnership with other spheres of government. At the same time, these resources will be channelled towards ensuring that agriculture, land and rural sectors continue to play integral roles in the economic reconstruction and recovery.
Hon Chairperson and hon members, it is almost a year that we have held the Summit on Communal Land Administration and Tenure. This was an important milestone in which firstly, the democratic government has made a firm decision in divesting its trusteeship of land in order to ensure that communities under communal areas can own and administer their own land.
Secondly, this move affirms the policy directive that South Africa has varied tenure systems even though some are not codified in law but have been practised for many centuries. It must be noted however that government will continue to work with these communities and their leaders on a better land governance and administration system.
The United Nations working paper on land administration puts this succinctly where it posits that –
Importantly, the administration of land resources has an important bearing on the democratic process. Structures governing access, control and management of land are as much about democracy as they are about asset stewardship. Linked to this room is the need to integrate land
administration and management into systems of governance at all levels.
The importance of land governance is not only critical for communal areas, but for all land, including that which has been transferred to communities through land reform programmes. Deputy Minister Skwatsha will elaborate on the work that we are doing on this area.
Hon Chairperson and hon members, working with other spheres of government through the District Development Model we are making interventions that will support rural enterprises as part of improving rural economies. In the past year, we have ensured that some young people who have been trained through NARYSEC are absorbed into employment working with the private sector players and some of sector players as well as some of the government departments.
The Farmers Support Production Units even though maybe smaller in pace of implementation but those that have been put into action are already coordinating and improving support for farmers in these areas. Deputy Minister Capa, will also elaborate on further working relation to rural enterprises and
infrastructure development, particularly rural roads in this area.
IsiZulu:
Sihlalo sihlangene la ngonyaka odlule sizobeka uhlahlomali. Siyazi ukuthi ngaleso sikhathi sasihlaselwe yisikhonyane kodwa ke sizamile kangangokuthi leso sikhonyane sikwazi ukusinqoba. Sizimisele ke namanje ukuthi uma siphinda lesi sikhonyane sizokwazi ukusikhona. Ngibonge abalimi esisebenzisana nabo kanye nabanye abantu abayingxenye yalomshikashika wokuthi sikwazi ukulwa nalesi sikhonyane. Konke ke lokhu kusho ukushintsha kwesimo sezulu kuleli lengabadi yakithi kanti nasemhlabeni wonke jikelele.
Kulonyaka ke esikuwo nozayo ochwepheshe bethu, ikakhulukazi osoSayensi bezolimo basibikela ukuthi kwangathi sizobhekana nesomiso. Nochwepheshe bethu ababhekele uhlelo lwesimo sezulu nabo bayasho ukuthi impela ku 60% ngakubona kwabo kungenzeka kube nesomiso kuleli lethu. Thina ke njengoMnyango, sisebenzisana nabo osoSayensi sizozama ukuthi sazise abalimi ngezikhathi ukuze bakwazi ukubhekana nokuthi izitshalo nemfuyo yabo bazoyiphatha kanjani uma sesibhekene nale nkinga.
English:
On the upside, South Africa’s agricultural sector grew by a cumulative 25% in real value-added, where approximately 55% of the value was generated from export earnings between 2020 and 2022. During the same period, the sector created about 50 000 new jobs, increasing the total number of people employed in this sector to 860 000. I must say hon members that about 9% of agricultural output is produced by previously disadvantaged farmers, implying the sector is growing and gradually improving on inclusivity. This progress is encouraging, but a far-cry from our vision of a united and prosperous agricultural sector. Through the Master Plan we are going to continue our work with our partners on transformation using the targets that we have agreed to. The growth in agriculture could be attributed to the enhancement of its competitiveness, made possible by clear policies, regulatory environment and financing instruments.
Hon members, in presenting this Budget Policy Statement, we also give report back on the commitments we made in the past year. We are also indicating priority areas in line with the pronouncement of our President, President Ramaphosa, during the state of the nation address this year, February.
With regard to the support to the farmers which it’s one of the things that we indicated we will be doing with our last year’s budget, through input vouchers from the Presidential Stimulus Initiative, we supported 157 000 subsistence farmers. Through the Land development support, we reached our target that we set in our Annual Performance Plan of supporting 83 farmers. Through blended finance facility with IDC, 20 transactions have been approved creating about 845 jobs, 30% being women-owned businesses and 10% being youth.
The blended finance facility with land bank has approved 35 transactions which thus far created 588 jobs; 33% of those being women and 27% being young people.
We were also able to set up two demonstration facilities for hemp production, lesser than our commitment owing to the availability of seeds which we are addressing now with Agricultural Research Council. Marketing opportunities for small-scale farmers we have continued to open market access supported by our partnership with the stakeholders. I am sure hon Capa, will speak of her experience where together with Boxer have trained a number of rural farmers to be able to be ready for market in their retail shops. The Farmer business
development support has been undertaken working with the Department of Small Business together with our industry partners.
The Task Team on Biosecurity tabled its report with recommendations and valuable insights that have given us, though we need to improve our animal health systems as a country and we will be tabling it after this budget presentation today. I just want to take us through some work that is being done by MANC. I know that many of us now it as an entity that gives us valuable insight in terms of information and analysis to both government and the agricultural sector. Such information has enabled agri- entreprenuers to make informed decisions in terms of marketing of their products. Through the Statutory measures and trust as provided for in our Act, NAMC has played a meaningful role in the transforming our sector.
IsiZulu:
Ngikhuluma nje kunyaka ka-2022 inani elibalelwa kwizigidi eziyi-R986 yama-Levy yemali ye-Trust ikwazile ukuthi ilekelele ikakhulukazi abalimi abasafufusayo ibanikeze ucwaningo
olufanelekile kanye nanokuthi bazilungiselele ukuhambisa imikhiqizo yabo emazweni angaphandle.
English:
In 2022 financial year, the Maize Trust has spent
R17,9 million on transformation and has assisted 4 650 farmers who are active in the maize industry. Of these 94 farmers are already commercially viable and 195 ready and operating on 100 hectors on average. On the Citrus R50 million was spent by the industry supporting 124 black farmers on cultivars, orchard development, farm equipment, irrigation and preparation for exports readiness. Of the 124 farmers, about 50-78 are exporting almost a total of 6 million cartons.
IsiZulu:
Bengithi nizoshaya izandla.
English:
In this financial year the NAMC working with our industry players will ensure that the expenditure on Trusts and levies will now support identified commodities in line with the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan.
IsiZulu:
Siyaqhubeka ke Ndabezitha, Nkosi uMandela ukuqedela lama– feedlots ayeseqaliwe ukuze akwazi ukulekelela abalimi abafufusayo. Lokho sikwenza sisebenzisana ne-Agricultural Research Council. Mangisho ke futhi ukuthi sisebenzisana ne- DTIC la kukhona izimboni ezithengwa osomabhizinisi bangaphandle. Siyaqhubeka nokubeka imibandela ezokwenza ukuthi lezo zimboni zizimisele ekutheni siguquguqule isimo sezolimo.
English:
As part of the acquisition of Pioneer Foods instance by PEPSICO, a commitment of R300 million towards black farmers for upgrading their businesses and integrate them into the value chain was made as part of concluding the deal. Karan Beef and SK Caine Farming, Caine Farming PTY LTD and AAA Meat PTY LTD deal is also going to create opportunities for black farmers in supply development as well as access to markets for small-scale farmers.
On Cannabis Master plan ...
IsiZulu:
... siyajabula ke ukuthi iNdlu yeSishayamthetho la eNational Assembly isibhekana manje nezincomo ezivela ngaphandle ezizobhekana nokudayiswa kwe-Cannabis. Siyaqhubena nozakwethu ukusebenzisana ukuze senze ukuthi ngempela labo asebethole amaphepha emvume abangama-397 bakwazi ukuthi bayisebenzise ngendlela yokuthi bakhiqize okuningi.
English:
Chairperson, support to black producers in Agriculture and Agro-processing is an important vehicle to bring about transformation in the sector, to this end, we continue as the Department to strengthen the blended Finance where we are working together with IDC and the Land Bank. If you look at the transfers to provinces through CASP as well as Ilima/Letsema 15 853 were supported through CASP 25 781 were supported through Ilima/Letsema.
IsiZulu:
Singasho nje ukuthi abanye balaba balimi abathole lolu xhaso abafana no-Chade Groenewald olapha eNorth-West ongumlimi wezinkukhu. Namhlanje untombazane lo usekhiqiza izinkukhu ezingolamthuthu abayi 40 000 umthamo yazo. Kube khona omunye umlimi olapha eLimpopo eMoletji duzane nalapho kuhlala khona
ubaba uMasipa, naye oqeqeshwe njengosoSayensi wezolimo kodwa ngokungatholakali kwemisebenzi manje usefakela izimvu kanye nezimbuzi ezihlinziwe ezingama-60 kulabo balimi abaseduzane nakubo. Angimfaki enkingeni ngiyancoma nje ukuthi bayasebenza ngakubo. Baningi abaningi engike ngabasho abathole ukuhlomula.
Ngishilo ke ekuqaleni ukuthi sizoqhubeka kulonyaka sibheke ukuthi sizithuthukisa kanjani izindawo zasemakhaya, ikakhulukazi ukuthi umhlaba abawusebenzayo ubuyele kwezolimo. Mangisho ukuthi kulokhu esikwenzayo ikakhulukazi mayelana nokuvulwa kwezimakethe. Siyaqhubeka nokuthi sivule izimakethe khona la ekhaya kanti futhi nasemazweni angaphandle ikakhulukazi kuNgabadi yase Afrika kanye nakumazwe angaphandle le phesheya kwezilwandle. Lokhu sikwenza ngoba sikubona kubalulekile ukuthi kufanele sakhele abalimi bethu amathuba ukuthi bakwazi ukuthumela izinto zabo ziye emakethe. Mangisho ke Sihlalo ngingapheli nje ngokuncoma okuhle, ngisho ke nezingxaki esinazo. Ingxaki yokukhiqiza imithi ...
English:
... remains our challenge. With regards to animal vaccine and I know hon Masipa always raise this question, he does not raise it because it is nice to raise it but because indeed it
is important in ensuring that we support our herd and our meat industry as a country.
We have been working with the National Animal Health Forum to see how best we can also support this industry by ensuring that there are other players that can come on an emergency basis. I must say that in my discussion with the registrar he was advised that indeed he did receive the application from one of the companies designed by ...[Inaudible.] ... who had made an application and this work has been going on between them. Yesterday, after they had responded to the company about things that they need to improve and give information on we have received such information. However, it is important to appreciate that even the company has said, what they can be able to produce is booster vaccines to support the baseline that OBP is producing which therefore, means all of us as government working with the industry we must really make sure that OBP works and produces the vaccines that are necessary.
As I indicated last week in answering the questions, Aspen has been assisting us with the engineering capacity to really ensure that we can be able to utilize existing machinery to produce what we need. We are also engaging some of the
suppliers of our freezer dryers, particularly the Germans and the Spaniards to make sure that they assist us in ensuring that those are back into stream so that we can increase our capacity.
Through ARC we have now been able to ensure that we can produce doses for our FMD in order to endure that we can rely in our local production. I am raising this Chairperson because in my view it is a matter that we must continue to engage with. We continue to work in international relations as part of our commitment. I am happy to inform this House that on the 21st of May we will be co-hosting a World Farmers Congress together with SAAI and AFASA, which will be in the North-west we will also be hosting the forum for Agricultural Research which will be held in KZN in the coming June. This in my view indicates the work that we continue to do working with our industry.
Chairperson, on the Agro-Energy fund we are putting aside R500 million and we have agreed on the criteria that will be utilised that large scale farmers will receive 30% grant funding to be matched with 70% loan portion, where the grant amount is capped at the maximum of R1,5 million. For medium
scale farmer will receive a 50%` grant to be matched with 50% loan portion, where the grant is capped at the maximum of R1 million. Smallholder farmers will be supported by a grant portion of 70% to be matched with 30% loan. For this category the maximum grant funding is capped by R500 000. We know that this maybe not as much but in my view it is going to go a long way to assisting farmers.
Thank you very much, Chairperson. I trust that hon members will appreciate in their engagements some of the efforts that are being made but also help us to improve were some challenge remain. Thank you very much.
Mr Z M D MANDELA: Hon House Chair, hon Minister and Deputy Ministers, hon members and the officials of the department and the entities of the department here with us this morning, respected members of the media, ladies and gentlemen, comrades and friends, good morning ...
Afrikaans:
... goeiemôre ...
Sesotho:
... dumelang ...
IsiXhosa:
... molweni.
English:
House Chair, allow me to dedicate this speech as a commemoration of the 10th anniversary year of the passing of the founding father of our democracy and our global icon of peace, justice and human rights and dignity for all.
It was on this month, on the 10th of May 1994, that President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela addressed the nation as the first democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa. On that historic day, he rallied the nation and called on us to act together as united people for national reconciliation, for national building, for the birth of a new world, saying, let there be justice for all, let there be peace for all, let there be work, bread, water and salt for all.
Hon members, this Budget Vote 29 responds to that call and I wish to thank the hon Minister Thoko Didiza and the Department
of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development for the work done over the past year and for driving the Annual Performance Plans, APPs, that guide the department’s work and its public entities.
House Chairperson, we have engaged robustly along with our colleagues in the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, we have engaged communities and stakeholders impacted by the department’s work and its institutions through our oversight function. This is a participatory democracy in action and restorative justice at its best.
We are deeply conscious that the land is central to South Africa’s transformation agenda and we have severely driven this agenda to ensure that land reform is accelerated. We have accomplished much but the pressure to accelerate even faster is real and hangs over us like the sword of Damocles.
We must fear the breath of our people on our necks as their existence, survival, development and future prosperity depends on the success we achieve in land reform, restitution, and redistribution. This is the promise we made at the dawn of our
democracy when President Mandela said, let there be peace for all.
Hon House Chair, when Madiba said, let there be work, bread, water and salt for all, we all understood the long tier of the promise, we understood the magnitude of the commitment to create work for all. We understood the power of unlocking the economic potential of our land and the vast potential that agriculture and agricultural industries holds to contribute towards that goal of creating work and reducing unemployment.
Over the past three decades, the department has tirelessly driven that agenda through various programmes ranging from support to small scale farmers, agricultural extension programmes for rural households and subsistence farming through to its various funding mechanisms for commercial farmers, be that through agriculture research, opening new markets for agricultural products and building marketing capacity of the agricultural sector.
That work continues unabated in the current five-year strategic framework by accelerating land reform, catalysing rural development, improving agricultural production,
stimulating economic development and food security. House Chairperson, these goals are aligned with the department’s stated outcomes including improved governance and service excellence, spatial transformation ... [No audio recording.]
...
... number of these issues including managing the impact of load shedding on the agricultural sector as well as leveraging the Presidential Stimulus Package to support small scale farmers to buy seeds, fertilizers and equipment to boost food security and agricultural reform.
In addition, during Sona 2023, he strongly supported the four Master Plans in the areas of cannabis, hemp, the agricultural and agro-processing, poultry and sugar. These Master Plans held the immense potential for job creation, expanding markets and expanding the agricultural sector value chain.
I want to especially address the enormous global market in hand for creating bio travel, fertilizers, bio fuels, textiles and building material. Last week, we witnessed a world fest with the announcement of the imminent opening of a 12 storey
hotel made of hemp building materials, right here in Cape Town.
This is an amazing contribution towards the greater energy efficiency, the reduction of carbon emissions, footprint and the process of carbon sequestration that is driving a greater awareness of the realities of climate change.
We eagerly await the approval of the hemp seed development scheme as well as greater clarity on how the department is capacitating subsistence and small welder producers to participate and fully benefit from all Master Plans through the development of rural economies by enhancing production capacity, ensuring food security and creating employment for all.
Hon Chairperson, we are confident that the leadership will take into consideration the remarks and recommendations made by the portfolio committee and look forward to continue engaging the department towards improved efficiency, enhanced accountability, greater development impact and advancing the national agenda.
We are cognisant of the impact of load shedding and the risk that it holds for the sector. As a collective, we have the responsibility to continue seeking solutions and improving the ability for more effective risk management.
I want to spell out the recommendation for the department to submit a legislation and policy review with clear timelines and resources for processing and finalising in the current financial year and when this will be introduced to Parliament. This is of paramount importance and must be prioritized with all earnest.
With respect to the public entities, we have already acknowledged the invaluable role of these national assets in advancing our agricultural sector and driving our strategic programmes of land reform and rural development. They are pivotal in the development of the sector and we must ensure that they deliver on their mandate whilst strengthening governance, improving efficiency and extending our strategic position especially in the initiatives such as the 4th Industrial Revolution.
We remain thankful for the stakeholders and in the agricultural land reform on rural development for the role that they play. Without you, the growth of food security, land justice and rural development will remain beyond reach. Only by working together, we are able to achieve the vision which we set out at the dawn of our democracy.
Hon House Chairperson, the ANC supports the adoption of the Budget Vote 29 and its related APP goals and targets.
As I conclude, allow me as a citizen of the rural community in the tiny village of Mvezo, on the banks of Mbashe River, to take this opportunity to invite you all in the Ministry and all colleagues and officials of department and its entities to the Mandela Marathon on the dusty streets of Mvezo, in Qunu, where the global icon and founding father of our nation democracy was born, which will be taking place on the 13th of May in Qunu, in Mvezo Komkhulu. I thank you.
Mr N P MASIPA: House Chairperson, allow me to speak on behalf of struggling farmers who are weighed down by debt pressures while dutifully doing a thankless job of responding to the country’s food security. Farmers are going through hard times
partly because of a department which appears to have forgotten its constitutional mandate to support the sector. The burden of high costs of production has translated into high food prices, forcing families to go to bed hungry. Like everything else that has gone wrong in South Africa, the extremely difficult operating environment in the farming sector must be traced back to the ANC government’s lack of care for farmers. The uncaring ANC government has left commercial and small holder farmers to fend for themselves.
While it is a conventional tradition for legislatures around the world to authorise public expenditure and revenue raising each year, the department’s proposed budget put before the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development for approval was just another tedious box-ticking exercise. In recent years, South Africa enjoyed good rains after long droughts in some parts of the country. Due to climate change, this has resulted in animal diseases and plant pests that have led to higher input costs. While the ANC government continues to defend Russia’s war in Ukraine over Russian vodkas, the fertilizers’ prices have more than doubled, making it very difficult for farmers to produce cheaply.
The load shedding mayhem brought by the uncaring ANC has added more input costs to farmers. Instead of providing a cushion for farmers, the ANC government created more bureaucracy by appointing a new Minister of Electricity who is still confused about his mandate. The stringent cool treatment regulations implemented by the European Union, EU, are likely to increase input and freight costs. Amidst all these barrage of input costs, the department has not lifted a finger. Farmers have been abandoned by the ANC government.
Allow me to demonstrate the financial pressures that farmers are under right now. The industry is facing a cost-price squeeze phenomenon where farmers are finding that their input costs that they have paid do not translate into charging higher prices to recoup their expenses. It’s a fact that farmers are battling to service their debts. According to Statistics SA, the total income earned in the agriculture and related services industry was R417,1 billion in 2021, an increase of 11,9% from 2020 to 2021.
The Statistics SA report further states that in 2021, animals and animal products generated the largest sales that amounted to R159,3 billion which was followed by horticultural and
field crops. Now, this is where the ANC government doesn’t get it at all. The total expenditure incurred by the sector in 2021 was R389,3 billion, Minister, against the generated income of R417,1 billion. This was a cost increase of about 10,2%.
By just calculating the difference between the sector’s total income and expenditure, we come to a sectoral profit of R27,8 billion. Considering that the sector financed 50% of their expenses through debt, the sector used approximately R25 billion to service bank interest rates alone. The sector was then left with a small profit for their operations.
Factoring that load shedding has cost the sector R23 billion to date, therefore the industry is sinking either in debts or in liquidation. Now, R500 million in blended finance for commercial farmers is nothing but a joke to struggling farmers who are the breadbasket of Southern Africa.
In 2021, the livestock industry generated the highest revenue in agriculture. However, the support for farmers has been lip service with one ministerial task team after the other providing no tangible outcome. Despite the appointment of a task team to investigate the animal biosecurity challenge, a
year later the report has not been tabled before the portfolio committee. Livestock farmers struggle to save their dying horses and their dying sheep because of the failure of Onderstepoort Biological Products, OBP, to produce vaccines.
The Minister has cited this challenge. One horse farmer in KwaZulu-Natal said to me, “We have gone from receiving little vaccines last year to receiving a nothing this year”. I have witnessed images and videos of horses dying helplessly because the ANC government just doesn’t care. Minister, it is utterly unacceptable and a disgrace for our people out there.
Farmers are on their own. They do not trust any of your officials and the department – I expressed this to the director-generals. At what point is the Minister going to consider compensating these farmers whose OBP failed them completely? Communal farmers without secure tenure are on their own. The treatment they are receiving from your department has shown no care at all. These farmers are battling animal diseases and plant pests on their own. They have no dipping tanks and no fences, yet they provide food for households.
Before the next South African President, John Steenhuisen, takes over in 2024 ... [Interjections.] I beg the Minister to forget about task teams but instead fix the problems of the department: Outsource the production of animal vaccines while fixing OBP; increase financial support for commercial farmers; do away with VAT on poultry meat to make it affordable for struggling households; repeal or amend outdated agriculture legislations, and fire some of the incompetent officials, Minister. We beg him.
The DA government in the Western Cape, with its limited budget, has done a better job on animal health programmes, farmers’ support and farm workers support
programmes than the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development under your Minister. Unless the Minister addresses the current challenges in agriculture with tangible actions, it’s better that she tenders her resignation before John Steenhuisen takes the office in 2024. We had enough of task team. Thank you, Minister. [Interjections.]
Mr N S MATIASE: Hon House Chairperson, the land reform programme since 1994 has been categorised by policy incoherence, political conundrum and administrative paralysis.
The ruling ANC never had intentions, let alone imaginations to address the land question in this country. This was shown by the appointment of a certain Hanekom as a first Minister tasked to verse the land reform under the ANC government. The 1994 government preferred a bourgeoisie inspired land reform with its narrow redistribution of land usually to a limited group of beneficiaries over agrarian reform. As the latter is more progressive to be ... [Inaudible.] ... in nature and covers not on the right distribution of land but also the provision of infrastructure extension support services and a wide range of programme of redistributive and democratic reforms in the areas of land use rights and tenure security.
Robert Sobukwe, in 1959, warned us about the ANC and its betrayal inclinations in relation to the land question. There is a widespread agreement that land reform in South Africa has dismally failed, and continue to fail to deliver the changes many has hoped for. Racially based dislocation and dispossession of land which were central features of the colonial conquest and apartheid grand plan remain key features of this failure.
To date, the department has spent R45 billion buying land from white farmers and giving people money instead of land. To date, the department has not resolved the land claims lodged by the December 1998 deadline. Most recently, the department has indicated that it needs R68 billion to settle the remaining 6 000 claims lodged in 1998. This basically means that the department would need a further 30 to 40 years to settle land claims lodged in 1998. The department has further failed to provide much-needed support to land claimants who have had the land settled. Many of these claims and farms are now derelict because there was no pre-settlement planning and now no post-settlement support.
The country’s land reform programme is misguided as it is based on a narrow rural ... [Inaudible.] ... macroeconomic policy framework of keeping big farmers big and small farmers small in pursuit of maximum food production. But this is scientifically unsound. Large farms are not the most efficient way of producing food. The ... {Inaudible.] ... relation between farm size and production has long been established.
The merger of the former Department of Agriculture and the former Department of Rural Development and Land Reform was
expected to improve and streamline the delivery of services to farmers and land reform beneficiaries.
However, nothing has changed and the opposite seems to be the truth as merger of the two departments and reconfiguration of the new structure does not seem to have taken into account the complexities of some of the programmes that have now been combined into one. For example, the clustering of food security, land reform and restitution into one programme – Programme 3 – could still not be justified as there is no clear alignment of interventions within the programme. Land reform, which has become a subprogramme of Programme3 is not only about availing land for agricultural production, but also for human settlement, tenure reform and security, as well as economic development – which may not necessarily be agricultural based.
The amount of money spent by the department must force the ruling party to refill its opposition to expropriation without compensation as articulated by the EFF. There is a need to concede these failures and quickly come to terms with pressing agency to correct them. In reality, the budget allocated to
the department is not enough in the light of central importance and the challenges it faces.
The EFF in 2018 called and tabled a motion for the amendment of section 25 of the Constitution with the emphasis for the abolishment of private ownership of land and the transfer of land as a whole to the people and a stage to hold this land in custody in behalf of the people as a whole. This noble mission was forestalled and frustrated by the ANC with the collaboration of its right-wing allies led by the DA and western lobby group.
We are of a firm view that there is only one way out of this conundrum and policy paralysis, and that is the expropriation of all South Africans land without compensation for equal redistribution. This is the only way we can significantly alter the agrarian class structure and power relations for rural communities and to ensure that the aspirations of the Freedom Charter and the aspirations of the Robert Sobukwe in the realisation of the resolution of land question is resolved fundamentally.
Lastly, the EFF rejects this Budget Vote. Thank you. [Interjections.]
Prof C T MSIMANG: Hon House Chair, the purpose of Budget Vote
29 is to provide equitable access to land, integrated rural development, sustainable agriculture and food security for all. Although agriculture is a relatively small sector within the South African economy in terms of its contribution to the gross domestic product, GDP, it has been a stellar performer in shoring up the economy, thus making itself one of the major redeeming features of South Africa’s economic performance.
There is no doubt that South Africa urgently needs to address the provision of agri-logistics and rural infrastructure for agricultural and rural development to be realised. The government needs to invest in agricultural and rural infrastructure that supports the expansion of production and employment, small-scale farming and rural development.
The rural areas of South Africa are in desperate need of infrastructure such as facilities for storage such as silos, fresh produce facilities, packing houses, transport links to
main networks such as rural roads, branch trainlines and ports, as well as the fencing of farms.
Other critical infrastructure includes irrigation schemes in poor and underdeveloped areas, improved research and development of pertinent rural issues which includes the expansion and revitalisation of agricultural colleges, processing facilities such as abattoirs, feedlots and dairy parlours.
Therefore, the IFP welcomes the budget’s commitment to critical infrastructure, including transport and logistics, water and sanitation. However, considering that under the current government we are still battling the cancer of corruption, one could only be hopeful that there will be no misappropriation of funds that will hamper the much-needed rural agricultural development.
Statistics SA has reported that in 2021, about 2,1 million people experienced hunger. Food insecurity was also listed as one of the main reasons for the July 2021 riots in KwaZulu- Natal and parts of Gauteng. It has been reported that South Africa is technically food secure, but many households do not
have enough food for their dietary and nutritional needs. Statistics SA has also reported that there are more than half a million homes where children under the age of five experience hunger. Without adequate food that is nutritious, children are at risk of malnutrition, which can lead to stunting and physical and cognitive development problems.
These children battle to learn and underperform at school, which perpetuates the vicious cycle of poverty and struggle.
Furthermore, persistent load shedding poses an ongoing threat to food security as it may lead to shortages of food in the country. Given the centrality of food security to the wellbeing of South Africans and the country’s stability, parts of the agricultural sector dependent on electricity for irrigation, packing, processing and cold storage, should be shielded from load shedding above stage 4.
With the abovementioned taken into consideration, the IFP supports this Budget Vote. Thank you, hon House Chair.
Afrikaans:
Me T BREEDT: Agb Huisvoorsitter, landbou is een van die belangrikste sektore in Suid-Afrika. Nie net is dit jaar-op-
jaar een van die industrieë wat die meeste werk skep nie maar dit dra ook by tot die bruto binnelandse produk, BBP. Dit is verantwoordelik vir kos op elke Suid-Afrikaner se tafel, elke dag, drie keer op ‘n dag. Die Departement van Landbou is dus een van die mees belangrikste departemente op die oomblik aangesien dit met die voedselsekuriteit van die hele Suid- Afrika te make het. Dit wil egter blyk of die departement gruwelooslik is om die landbouers en die mense van Suid-Afrika te faal.
Ons is sopas deur ‘n jaar van ongekende uitbrake van bek-en- klouseer, BEK, waar Suid-Afrika sy BEK-vry status verloor het en uitvoere vir die soveelste keer die halt geroep is. Maar teëspoed wil net nie ophou nie. Die agb Minister het na die geweldige agterstand wat tans met inentings ervaar word verwys
- van bloutong tot perdesiekte, Brucella, Rift Valley Fever en alles tussenin.
Die prentjie is maar baie bleek. Perdesiekte entstof is al vir meer as ‘n jaar uit voorraad uit en honderde, indien nie duisende perde, is al dood as gevolg van die siekte en daar is geen lig aan die einde van die tonnel nie. Bloutong daarenteen is verantwoordelik vir meer as 50% van sterftes van vee op die
oomblik as gevolg van die nat seisoen wat ons ervaar het, en dus ook die tekort aan entstof.
English:
On a question regarding vaccines that appeared on the Question Paper on 3 March, that was only answered a month later, the answers were shocking to say the least. Of the 18 vaccines that the Onderstepoort Biological Products, OBP, produces, only nine were readily available and in stock. All of the others had availability dates only for the end of April or the end of May. This is unacceptable, and the reason for this question was the unavailability of vaccines in the first place. In some instances, availability was almost a year or longer.
Two of the most critical vaccines had sooner release dates than the others, and that was Bluetongue and African Horse Sickness. It was stated that the Bluetongue vaccine product was awaiting quality control results due the week ending
10 March, with the product to be distributed in the week ending 24 March 2023. With regard to African Horse Sickness, the product would be going into production in the week ending
17 March and availablity for the market would be 7 April. We are still waiting for both of these vaccines.
Afrikaans:
Die departement en die agb Minister wil ons laat glo dat daar nogsteeds ’n lig aan die einde van die tonnel is, en beloof dat OBP se vier-been strategie die antwoord op alle probleme is en dat daar binne die volgende sewe jaar kritieke toerusting vir entstof vervaardiging vervang sal wees. Agb Minister, sewe jaar is te lank. Ons boere het nou uitkoms nodig. Ons het nou inentings nodig.
In 2013 was daar ‘n eenmalige betaling van R492 miljoen vir die Good Manufacturing Practice, GMP, projek vir die entstof vervaardigingsfasiliteite se opgradering gegee. Tien jaar later en ons is nog nie wyser nie. Ons is steeds besig om ... [Onhoorbaar.] ... te bou en te vernuwer en ons is nog nie naby aan klaar nie. Die vraag wat gevra moet word is waar het die geld verdwyn? Wat is daarmee gemaak? Hoekom het ons nog steeds nie die fasiliteit nie. Dit herinner my baie aan die BEK fasiliteit wat nogsteeds deur Onderstepoort in aanbou is.
Verder, laat Onderstepoort se teikens veel te wense. Hulle het
nodig om terug te keer na wat hul sleutelmandaat is en dit is die vervaardiging van entstowwe.
Die oplossing lê egter nie alleen by Onderstepoort nie, en Minister, ek is bly u het daarna verwys dat dit ook by die privaatsektor lê. Die departement moet verseker dat toegang vir privaat maatskappye om entstowwe te vervaardig nie buitengewoon moeilik is nie en dat goedkeuringsprosesse nie onnodig vertraag word nie. Hulle moet juis ‘n kompeterende mark vir inentings daarstel. Tot en met die departement nie daarop gefokus is nie, gaan die landbousektor in ‘n kritieke toestand bly verkeer.
Entstowwe is nie die enigste probleem wat die departement en sy entiteite tans kwel nie, maar dit is beslis die mees ernstig wat so spoedig as moontlik en daadwerklik aangespreek behoort te word, Minister. Die departement faal sy landbouers. Die ANC faal sy landbouers. Suid-Afrika se landbouers verdien beter. Ek dank u.
IsiXhosa:
USEKELA MPHATHISWA WEZOLIMO, UBUYEKEZO LWEZEMIHLABA NOPHUHLISO
LWAMAPHANDLE (Nkskz R N CAPA): Zinqabile izinto apha.
English:
Hon members and our ...[Inaudible] ... today because it is a very important day, where we are actually saying to South Africans, we are talking about what we have already done, what is currently being done and what funds are allocated to which programmes going forward and this is what will happen.
Hon Chairperson, members of the portfolio committee, our hon Minister Thoko Didiza, Deputy Minister Mr Mcebisi Skwatsha, all hon members, ladies and gentlemen. I greet you this morning. Ndiyabulela. [Thank you] It is important to address you today as we table this Vote 29 of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. This Vote comes at a time, indeed at a ... [Sound off at 00:52.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: House Chair, we keep on losing sound from M46. Even now, we have lost the hon member, please.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL
DEVELOPMENT (Mrs R N CAPA): [Sound back on at 01:52] ... where there was no road. We know exactly that when the load is hard
to climb the mountain, therefore the blame game starts amongst the span.
IsiXhosa:
Enye ihlaba enye kuphele ke kubanzima kakhulu kubekho ekhanywa sisitrophu. Ndiyayazi ke into yokuba ...
English:
... because our load of looking after our people is so much heavy and so much difficult, it gives blame and the ANC is number one to be blamed ...
IsiXhosa:
... kuba yiyo eqhuba isipani.
English:
Because we are the ones who are driving the sledge up, therefore we know that will be blamed, but maybe we will be applauded if the load ...
IsiXhosa:
... iyaphumelela ekugqibeleni.
English:
It will, it will I assure you. About these challenges, the climate change is a huge problem. But it was not necessarily observed and watched all the way through because this climate change at ... [Inaudible] ... that is in process is actually very important for the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development because it will protect the land and promote sustainable rural development, so that where we are producing where we are indeed in very, very difficult situations because of the topography where we are working, it will help us.
Therefore, we will support it Minister to say ...
IsiXhosa:
... makhe kulinywe kakuhle.
English:
When the road has been done ... [Inaudible] ... come along ...
IsiXhosa:
... ziyibethe iphele indlela ebisakhiwa ngezolo.
English:
These kinds of problems cannot be seen by those who actually can go to a rural space as tourists and ... [Inaudible] ... looking for votes. People think they are bringing jobs in bags and go to them only to find that, the jobs are not for today they are for the future and they go back and sit on their poverty. Let’s not make the mistake of believing that talking about people’s problems, having solutions in your bags before you arrive and find out what their troubles are, you will likely end up bringing medicines for measles when actually there was gastritis.
This department is responding to these challenges that are caused by natural disasters which are actually all over the planet. What we do as this government, we are in Mpumalanga working very hard, in KwaZulu-Natal, in the Eastern Cape where there have been terrible effects caused by the disasters, natural disasters. That is indirectly man-made by not loving our land, by not preserving it and forget what we agreed on in Beijing, when we were saying that, the development will actually depend on sustainability when we love the land and see it when it is bleeding. All we do is to harvest it at the end of the river with a new name of sand.
IsiXhosa:
Ngumhlaba wethu lo siwomba phaya kuthiwa yisanti, qha uhlanjiwe.
English:
The department has actually decided through all the policies that are available and guidance to say, let us partner - thanks that the portfolio committee agreed to this - partner with all like-minded agencies, as well as sister departments to actually partner and ensure that rural development partners with them to begin to deal with the disaster being created by these heavy rains on rural roads. At the moment in this current budget, we are busy doing that almost 11 has been allocated to budget for rural roads that go to farms. Rural roads that actually bring together the villages that are somehow in a way being thrown away from where they are by the demarcation.
IsiXhosa:
Uyabona, phaya ezilalini ungaya ngapha nangapha kuba kaloku okokuqala ...
English:
... demarcation does not look into the river that you will have to cross if you are allocated to another ward or to another local municipality. A case that one understands is when people could not cross at Dikidikini to Ntabankulu, that used to buy from Flagstaff, and now they actually had to go and buy in Ntabankulu, further and further.
IsiXhosa:
Asisokuze siphinde siyibone ke Sihlalo into yokuba ...
English:
... any old woman like myself ...
IsiXhosa:
... efakwa emgqomeni (drum) ukuze akwazi ukuwela phaya.
English:
Definitely the integration is nice because we work integrated. What was rural development being Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, what we are now. We have funds that we got from Development Bank of Southern Africa, DBSA, funds that came from the local municipality in their Infrastructure Grant, as well as what comes from the rural
development branch. Now that bridge has been handed over to - never mind who, but that it is for the communities themselves. The funds have been made available. I really like what these women that we appointed Minister, one for infrastructure development and one economic development. They are doing very, very well. They have come with a budget for that river, even when it was an emergency. It was not earlier on the plans, but
...
IsiXhosa:
... abantu baphaya ...
English:
... a very happy.
IsiXhosa:
Ningabisaya kuba bayasithanda. Bayayibona ukuba indlela yabo iyakhiwa.
English:
But most unfortunately ...
IsiXhosa:
... xa besuka ngaphaya ngase-Alfred Nzo ...
English:
... from O R Tambo, the thing that is worse ...
IsiXhosa:
... kukuba akukho ndlela eya ebhrorhweni nokuba ibhrorho ibinokwenziwa,
English:
These wise women, these deputy director-generals, DDGs actually got the money to actually construct the road straight to the villages.
IsiXhosa:
Eza lali ke ziyaziwa kuba ngamaNtlane. Kwathathwa inxalenye yamanye amaNtlane yabekwa kude kwamanye. Xa beza kungcwaba, xa besenza isiko naxa beza kutshisa imixhaka ...
English:
... they had no way to, but today, their life is improved. That is what we call social cohesion. It’s not about having millions and billions, it’s also about life. Social cohesion,
taking care of each other and not to compete about how many
...[Inaudible] ... you have collected today ...
IsiXhosa:
... nihambe niye phaya kuqashi-qashi wemali nisiya kubala imali eniyicholeyo nokuba uchole malini ... [Kwaphela ixesha.]
English:
I am very happy to say ...
IsiXhosa:
... eli phepha lam libhalwe ngesiNgesi. Ngoko ke wonke umntu uza kukwazi ukulifunsa kuba kaloku lulwimi lomcinezeli.
English:
No there is still a few. Thank you very much.
Ms B TSHWETE: Hon House Chairperson, Minister, Deputy Ministers, hon members ...
IsiZulu:
... sanibonani ...
Sesotho:
... dumelang ...
IsiXhosa:
... molweni (greetings.)
English:
In supporting the adoption of Budget Vote 29 for 2023-24, I rise before you today to address the critical issue of land reform and its imperative role in transforming and growing the agricultural sector. In the 2019 Elections Manifesto, the ANC demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing land reform as a critical issue, acknowledging the historical injustices and aiming to create a fair and inclusive land redistribution programme, that promotes economic growth rural development and social justice.
In addition, the ANC Manifesto emphasised the importance of agricultural development, job creation and food security as key outcomes of effective land reform. By addressing the historical disparities in land ownership, we can create a level playing field for all South Africans, particularly the previous marginalised communities. To achieve these
objectives, it is essential to focus on creating small and medium black farmers who can actively contribute to the agricultural sector and to guarantee the country’s food security. Through dedicated support and financing, we can provide these emerging farmers with the tools, resources and knowledge necessary for success. This is not only benefiting the individual farmers, but also stimulates job creation for further bolstering of our economy.
The department’s outcome for spatial transformation and active land administration plays a pivotal role in economic transformation and job creation. Over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period, the department has allocated substantial resources towards acquiring land and settling land claims. An estimated cost of R2,9 billion has been allocated to acquiring 115 467 hectares of land, with an additional R676 million dedicated to acquiring 17 965 hectares for farm dwellers and labour tenants.
IsiXhosa:
Uyeva Tata uMatiase?
English:
Furthermore, the department in collaboration with the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights aims to settle 1 263 land claims over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF period. With this projected cost of R12,500 billion, the allocation of funds reflects the commitment to restitution with the restitution subprogramme receiving 41,9% of total budget for programme three.
I am pleased to report that, the allocation for a Commission on Restitution of Land Rights subprogramme has increased by 57,8%. The Agricultural Land Holding subprogramme by 65% and the Office of the Valuer-General subprogramme by 44,9%. If you look at these increases, it is above 50% of the previous budget Tata uMasipa [Mr Masipa.] These increases demonstrate the government’s dedication to driving progress in land reform and ensuring equitable share distribution.
When we acknowledge this achievements, it is essential to address certain concerns. The shift in support provided to communal property associations, CPAs, focusing on training of executive committee members raises a question about the level of support available for CPAs It is crucial that we maintain a comprehensive support system for CPAs to enable their success.
Furthermore, the decrease in farm development support under the Land Development Support programme is concerning. With a reduction from 83 farms in the previous year to 66 farms in this year. A further decrease to 33 Farms over the medium term will risk setting up land reform beneficiary for potential failure. Complementing postsettlement support is vital for ensuring the sustainable success of these farmers.
IsiXhosa:
Singabaniki umhlaba sibayeke.
English:
There are also omissions in the annual performance plans that need to be addressed. For example, the absence of targets for settling labour tenants’ applications as a district programme. Despite the court order and supervision by the Special Master for Land Tenants and Land Claims Court is worrisome. We must rectify this oversights and ensure that all facets of land reform receive the attention they deserve.
Despite these challenges, there have been notable achievements. A total of 250 smallholder farmers have been trained in good agricultural practice, empowering them with
knowledge and skills to enhance their productivity. Additionally, 60 small farmer holder farmers have been certified for export, expanding their market opportunities and contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector.
In conclusion, share land reform is an urgent and indispensable, indispensable endeavour for our nation.
IsiXhosa:
Abantu bafuna umhlaba.
English:
Land reform is not just a political slogan but a matter of justice ...
IsiXhosa:
... ukulingana ...
English:
... and sustainable development. It is our responsibility to address historical injustices and ensure equitable land access and ownership. [Time expired]
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL
DEVELOPMENT (Mr M Skwatsha): Hon House Chairperson, hon Minister Didiza, hon Deputy Minister, hon Chair of the Portfolio Committee, hon members, board members of our entities, senior officials, ladies and gentlemen, firstly, I want to salute this brave courageous woman, who stood before us this morning to deliver her responsibility in terms of the Budget Vote despite receiving sad news of the passing on of her aunt. I salute you, Minister Didiza.
I stand before you, hon members, to deliver this budget speech in honour of a son of Oudtshoorn, a former organiser of the ANC, someone who graduated to become a Member of Parliament whose mortal remains will be laid to rest on Sunday 14 in the Boland area of Estene. His name is Corra Dikgacwi.
Tomorrow, 10 May, it will be 29 years since the first democratically elected President was inaugurated. As we meet today we should always remember where we come from. Indeed, we stand on the shoulders of giants. Who can forget this lines, which was shared on that day. And I quote him: Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer
the indignity of being the skunk of the world”. Nelson Mandela.
We also need to recall that the first Act he signed into law was the Restitution of Land Rights Act 22 of 1994. Quickly on the hills of that signing he gave the first restituted land the area of Elandskloof here in the Western Cape.
Hon Chair, land redistribution tenure reform and restitution of land rights constitute the backbone of land reform in our country. A lot still needs to be done. We agree for us to make a meaningful impact on the skewed land ownership patterns. On land acquisition achieved the goals of equitable access of the land as enshrined in the Constitution. The department acquires allocates land under the land redistribution programme.
In the 2021-22 financial year, we reported that we acquired
57 000 hectors of land. In this financial year, we acquired
51 000 and through plus we exceeded our target of 35 000 hectors. In 2023-24, we intend to allocate 36 711 hectors with our allocated budget of R427 million. We should mention that the high land prices are still a challenge. The rejection by land owners of values determined by the Valuer General remain
a reality and the challenge especially in the Western Cape. This delays the finalisation of some land claims and land reform in general.
On land tenure reform, in the previous financial year we acquired 3 954 hectors. The department has set aside a budget of R280 million for acquisition of land to address security of tenure. In this regard, the department intends to acquire
5 685 hectors of land in the current financial year. The land to be acquired for tenure security addresses different land tenure needs, including settlement of labour tenants, applications and extension of Security of Tenure Act.
On labour tenants and the special master, as the Minister has indicated to give effect to this constitutional promise the department has prioritised the settlement of outstanding labour tenants claims. The land claims court appointed the special master on labour tenants to work with the department on expediting the settlement of these labour tenant’s claims.
The department received a total of 20 335 applications in seven provinces with most claims in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-
Natal. A total of 10 992 claims have been finalised with 9 333 claims still outstanding.
Hon members, working with the Office of the Special Master on labour tenants a labour tenants’ implementation plan has been developed and approved by the Land Claims Court. The department has currently processing applications for awards of land by labour tenants.
On the Communal Property associations, CPAs, currently more than 1 700 CPAs have been established and register nationally. In the past financial year, we registered 18 CPAs and over
3 000 CPAs members received training on governance of these entities to ensure compliance with the Communal Property Associations Act.
In 2021 we did say that we will be starting with an audit of CPAs and that it will take two financial years. Today, we can report that the audit was finalised at the end of April this year and the department must still receive the report to consider the way forward.
The Provincial Presidential Imbizos led by the President have been of such help in assisting the department to have interaction with CPAs. Led by our Minister we were able to at least visit most provinces and we are in line to completing that particular work.
The Minister has then assigned on outstanding matters. The two Deputy Ministers to assist in interacting and finding solutions to the matter of CPAs. CPAs themselves must also assist the department by making sure that they work together and resolve their problems rather than taking each other to court. More time must be spent on working the land and business instead of tensions and fights.
On the Transformation of Certain Rural Areas Act, Act 94 of 1998, TRANCRAA, communal tenure remains another priority for land reform. The process to expect it the transfer of 23 rural areas where certain land is held in trust for the respective communities is underway. Progress has been made. A total of
106 000 hectors have been transferred to the communities. The government will continue to make efforts to ensure the deserving communities receive their land.
The department has targeted to transfer 43 000 hectors of TRANCRAA land in the affected provinces, which are mainly the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape and the Northern Cape.
Concordant in the Northern Cape and they shared by in the Eastern Cape within this financial year are being attended to.
On the communal, tenure and land administration, in order to resolve communal land tenure challenges facing our country we reported during our previous Budget Vote that the department in collaboration with the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs concluded consultation on the process or the transference of communal land tenure. I can report to you that this matter is far advanced. Cabinet has now attended to this matter and the Inter-Ministerial committee led by the Deputy President is on the process of finalising this particular matter so that the Minister can do what is expected of her.
On restitution, in 19 June this year we will be marking 110 years since the enactment of the 1913 Native Land Act, which dispossessed and robbed millions of our people their land and concerned them to lives of deprivation. There is no greater grief than the loss of one’s land.
The year 2023 marks 29 years since the enactment of the Restitution of Land Rights Act. While we celebrate there are tough processes. While we celebrate the milestone achieved for the thousands of people who have benefited through this programme, we are mindful of the processes that are frustrating those who are yet to receive their land back. One of those milestones I want to refer to is the beautiful success story, Minister, of Luyolo land claim in Simon’s Town down here in the Cape Metro. As we speak people who were forcible removed are moving back into their houses built for them in Simon’s Town where they were forcible removed. Soon we will be witnessing a nurse going back home celebrating where more than 80 claimants will be receiving keys to their properties. One such claimant dimly called me mister is 76 year-old Brodez Xona who called requesting that I covey to you and the government of the Republic his appreciation for such a wonderful achievement. The commission is committed to accelerate settlement and finalisation of land claims through a backlog strategy and the claims monitoring of performance throughout the year. A total of 82 761 land claims have been settled to date and many communities of previously displaced have received their land with some having opted for financial compensation.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Deputy Minister, your time has now expired.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL
DEVELOPMENT (Mr M Skwatsha): On the Office of the Valuer General ... The last thing I just want to say ...
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Deputy Minister, your time has expired.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL
DEVELOPMENT (Mr M Skwatsha): ... as I walk into ... [laughter Thank you very much, Chairperson.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Thank you. [Applause.]
Thank you, hon Deputy Minister. The next speaker is the hon Mahlo.
Mr W M THRING: Chair, on a point of order. Chair, a point of order.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Who is rising on a point of order?
Mr W M THRING: Is the hon Thring, Chair.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): What is your point of order? Who is the hon member rising?
Mr W M THRING: Is hon Wayne Thring.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Yes, hon member what is the point of order?
Mr W M THRING: Hon Chair, I have been on the platform. I think you have skipped my list for virtual platform. You have skipped to my name to speak. So, I am not sure if you are aware. I have asked for our officials to let the Table Staff
... [Inaudible.] ...
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Let me address this matter. Hon members, you will recall that there has been a number of discussions. There has been a number of discussions amongst the Whips of political parties to get members back to
work in Parliament physically. And that is why we have arranged two physical sessions. And in the Chief Whips Forum sessions last week Wednesday one of the members of the Chief Whips Forum was sitting here. An appeal was made and agreement was reached in fact for all members who will be participating in Budget Vote debates will be here physically in person. That is the agreement that was reached.
Now the ACDP was part of the meeting of the Chief Whips Forum that I attended and addressed this matter. And they were also in the National Assembly Programing committee where the same matter was raised. And at no stage before the debate to today that we get any indication from the Whip of the ACDP that their members will not be physically in the House and Parliament through the Secretary to Parliament and the Secretary of the National Assembly and the NCOP is making extra effort to ensure that we can get even more members physically into the House so that we can engage physically with one another. It will defeat the purpose if for no reason whatsoever members simply don’t turn up and they don’t honour the agreement that has been made in the Chef Whips Forum and in the National Assembly Programming Committee. That is where we are hon Thring and unfortunately we did not received
indication that you won’t be here. And at the time when we got to the speakers on the list you were not on the platform and I didn’t see you in the House. And that’s why we simply proceed with the debate and we want to proceed with the debate now. I have called the next speaker. I think you must sort it out with your Whip and your Whip can communicate with the NA Table.
Ms N P MAHLO: House Chairperson, hon Minister and Deputies present, hon members and officials of the department, all protocol observed. The allocation of resources for Rural Development in Budget Vote No 29 is indicative of South African’s commitment towards the development of our rural communities, in line with the objectives set forth by the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the National Development Plan Vision 2030.
The Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, ERRP and the National Development Plan, NDP ... [Inaudible.] ... provides a strategic roadmap for the development of our rural areas, ensuring that they are integrated and inclusive with access to quality basic for services and economic opportunities while equally addressing the legacy of the apartheid ...
[Inaudible.] ... development …[ Inaudible.] ... . The ERRP recognises the crucial role of rural development in revitalising our rural economy and emphasise the need to invest in rural infrastructure and agrarian reform. By prioritising rural development, we can stimulate economic growth, reduce inequality and improve the lives of our rural citizens.
The NDP sets out the comprehensive vision for the future of the nation, aiming into eliminating poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. It identifies rural development as a key driver of economic transformation, emphasizing the importance of integrated and inclusive rural economies. The NDP envisage rural communities with access to quality basic services such as education, healthcare, and public transport, providing the foundation for the sustainable development and social progress.
In line with the overstretching plans, the Medium Term Strategic Framework has set specific targets for the rural development programme which we must strive to achieve. The portfolio committee has rightly noted the progress made and challenges faced in meeting those targets. Allow me to
highlight some of those key objectives and targets established in the MTSF. Training and employment of youth; the MTSF aims to train and empower young people through the National Rural Youth Service Corps, which is called Narysec. While we have the commendable programmes by increasing the number of training to 4 500 in 2023-24, the subsequence of decrease in targets to 1 500 in 2025-26 raise a concern, given a high rate of unemployed youth in our country.
We must double our efforts to provide more opportunities for our youth. Equipping them with the skills and knowledge to contribute meaningful in our economy, is one of the important things that we must do as South Africans. The second target is job opportunities and entrepreneurship. The MTSF targets the linkage of young people to job opportunities through Narysec, as we have already said, while we aim to link 485 youth to job opportunities in 2023-24, representing 10,8% of the intakes that we have identified.
We must recognise that more still needs to be done in our country. We must ensure that the skills acquired by Narysec trainees must be taken into consideration, into a meaningful employment or entrepreneurship opportunities that we have.
Thereby, unleashing their potential and contribute to rural economic growth. With regard to the issue of infrastructure development, the MTSF plays significant importance on infrastructure development in rural areas to support the economic transformation. The completion of 83 infrastructure project in 2023-24, is a crucial target that will enhance agricultural productivity, improve service delivery, and foster inclusive growth across all rural regions.
Adequate rural resources and efficient project management are essential to ensure the timely and successful completion of those projects in time. We have a target that has increased from 632,7 million in 2022-23 to 957,6 million in 2023-24, demonstrating our dedication to driving tangible changes in empowering our ... [Inaudible.] I thank you, House Chairperson and the ANC supports the Vote. [Applause.] [Time expired.]
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: House Chairperson, let me at the very outset say that it is not the policy of the NFP not to support a Budget Vote because we believe that in order to deliver services to our people, you must pass your budget. Despite the weaknesses or challenges that we may have. Now, 29 years later, I want to raise concerns about our Rural Land Reform.
Yes, a lot of work has been done, but I think a lot more could have been done. I think as advocate Ngcukaitobi put it very well when he said that land reform had not been held back by the Constitution but by capacity constraints and the lack of political will. I think that is where the problem is. Now, 29 years later, I think the vast pieces of land, 80% almost, I think it has come down towards 74% is still in the hands of 8 or 10% of the people of this country, and surely it is totally unacceptable.
I think we need to accelerate the process of land reform. But more importantly, I want to raise something and it is that rural development is at its lowest. I come from the KwaZulu- Natal and the question we need to ask is that how much of the development is taking place in rural towns? We appear to be no different from the days of apartheid, where family members had to migrate from rural towns to urban areas ... [Inaudible.]
... dysfunctional society and families. So I think a lot more needs to be done with rural development. I think local authorities wherever they govern, must play a pivotal role in ensuring there is rural development there. You know in one stage we even had the issue of one garden - one home, one garden - one clinic. It seems to have actually disappeared.
Let’s look at the issue of the Khoi and San. Very little or nothing has happened about the Khoi and San in addressing the inequalities that they face today, particularly about land.
The Indian community in Ethekweni, despite raising and filling their claims decades ago, the municipality continues - despite there being closed on those lands - leasing them out and even selling them, and not even addressing those things. So I think that those are some of things that we must address in order to address the issue, particularly of inequality which still remains one of the most unequal societies in the world.
I see my time running up. I have very little time. But lastly I want to say., through you House Chairperson – South Africa has great potential for exporting, particularly plants, agriculture products for medicinal purposes. I think the Department of Environment and Agriculture must work together. We have indigenous plants that are being exploited just by a handful, for medicinal purposes, and I think we need to exploit that. Thank you very much. The NFP supports this Budget Vote.
Ms T M MBABAMA: Hon House Chairperson, it is an open secret that the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural
Development, is generally dysfunctional. Not surprising as there is no clear policy direction on implementation.
In October 2021, amid much fanfare, the Minister announced that 896 farms - cumulatively comprising 700 000 hectares - would be redistributed under lease. Two and half years later, the public has not been updated on how of those farms have actually been redistributed to date and whether the department has supported the new lessees with training, recapitalisation or any other services that would see them succeed. Looking at the current budget, I have serious doubts that any support has been forthcoming from the department. Minister this is not good enough.
A large chunk of the South African population is desperately crying out for land. In my mind, they should instead be lamenting the ineffective, internal processes and policies of land reform in the department and crying out for those to be expedited as that is where the problem is.
It is the current government that is sitting on over two million hectares of state land that should be redirected to qualifying people. Over and above the two million hectares,
the Commission on the Restitution of Land Rights has 6 853, unresolved old order claims and 163 383 new claims submitted after the closing date of 1998.
In total, these two figures make 170 236 outstanding claims. How many additional hectares would this add to the people crying out for land? The largest land claim both in terms of number of hectares which is 25 000 and capital outlay is the Kramer Family Trust claim in Hankey in the Eastern Cape which was submitted in - lesson to this - 1996. It is still not settled or finalised, 27 years later! Minister, this cannot good enough!
To add insult to injury, the Land Claims Commission which was conceptualised and approved as an autonomous institution at is still under the auspices of this department. This handicaps the commission in its ability to optimally fulfil its function. It is in effect a section within the department and this affects its budget, which in turn affects approved headcount. Even its role has been compromised in that the commission is now tasked with post-finalisation activities that should fall under the ambit of the department itself.
Given this setback, it is estimated that at the pace and budget the commission is working at, it will take approximately 20 years, to finalise old order claims.
Minister, surely this is not good enough!
Three quotes from the 1994, the ANC election manifesto:
Firstly, a national land reform programme is the central and driving force of a programme for rural development”.
Secondly, the programme must be demand-driven, must aim to supply residential and productive land to the poorest section of the rural population and aspirant farmers.
Thirdly, as part of a comprehensive rural development policy, it must raise rural incomes and productivity, and must encourage the use of land for agricultural and other productive or residential purposes.
Where are we today? I will tell you where we are.
One of the key points that reportedly came out of the 2022 Land Conference is and I quote:
Citizens of rural communities across the country who are fighting for their land rights are outraged at the government’s treatment - likening it to apartheid and colonisation.
This captures the sentiments on the ground and exactly where we are today. Good enough! I think not, Minister.
A DA-led government would set out clear policies and laws governing land reform and rural development, fast-track the autonomy of the Land Claims Commission, device an effective backlog reduction strategy and update the public on progress biannually on this critical imperative.
Why would the DA-led government do this, Minister Didiza? For the DA gets things done! Thank you. [Applause.]
Ms M M E TLHAPE: Hon Minister, hon Deputy Ministers, leadership of our public entities, farmers and hon members, hon Chairperson the South African agricultural sector is one of the most competitive sectors in the world. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s agricultural sector grew by 25% in real terms maintaining an average of 865 000 jobs per
anum in the past three years. If one looks at our animal exports like dairy, wool and mohair or fruits exports like citrus, avocado and table grapes, South Africa has a strong footprints in the global markets. Today the sector generates 55% of its revenue from the international markets.
Hon members, these developments are made possible by the services provided by the public entities like Perishable Produce Export Certification Agency, PPECB, which inspects and approve our products for export markets.
The role of National Agricultural Marketing Council, Namac, in identifying attractive export markets and advising farmers and traders, equally contribute to the growth and competitiveness of our sector.
Hon members, while this is commendable, the growing risks of shortages of animal vaccines and general weaknesses in the biosecurity control system could impact the global image of South Africa’s agriculture.
Hon Chairperson, the urgency to produce and make available the necessary animal vaccines at the Onderstepoort Biological
Products, OBP, can never be exaggerated. This is a need to also look at the possibility of the production and animal vaccines. I hope this address your concerns, hon Breedt.
Hon members, we must also indicate that the progress made in the development of cannabis cultivar is encouraging. Upscaling these efforts to all strategic crops by the Agricultural Research Council, must be done moving forward. We have learnt that this year would be likely to the start of drought season implying the need to have drought resistant varieties to safeguard our food security.
Now, in achieving an inclusive growth, it will not be possible without developmental finance and equitable opportunities to access both domestic and export markets for all our farmers.
It remains an unpalatable picture to know that only 9% of our total agricultural output, is produced by small scale farmers whom are predominantly black.
Improving the participation of small scale farmers will play a pivotal role in moderating the rising levels of food security prices in our country.
Hon members and particularly the hon Shaik Emam because you raised this one and you are right. The speed which our land reform is rolled-out is low and sawing frustrations amongst our people. Part of the challenge in the land reform is the distorted land prices. Constant evaluation of all land parcels will go a long way to improve the roll-out of land reform programme.
Hon Minister, therefore there is a need to support and encourage the Office of the Valour-General to execute its functions effectively.
Hon Chairperson, understanding the value of land needs not to be restricted to commercial land parcels. The value of land used patterns of tribal land is equally important. Hence the need to undertake the recodal of traditional areas land. In 2021, Statistics SA reported that there are 422 000 in our country. This are farms that benefitted and continue benefit on public services provided by state entities.
And now to the hon Masipa, the South African agricultural sector stands as a beacon of success. We are sure casing remarkable growth and job creation. However, we must address
the challenges at hand to sustain this trajectory. We call upon the public entities to deepen their efforts in the provision of the latest research and innovations, developmental finance and market opportunities for all farmers, in particular our small scale farmers and subsistence farmers, as well as those operating in tribal lands.
All these, hon members, can be achieved through using the ANC 2019 Election Manifesto, the National Development Plan, the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, the Medium-Term Strategic Framework 2019 to 2024 and the President’s Sona pronouncements as guiding principles for the development of South African Agricultural sector.
The hon Masipa, I want to remind you that South Africa is not an island. We are part of the global community and the squeezed economy is felt all over. We are all reeling from the COVID-19. Our farmers know their enemies. They know who dispossessed them of their land. They also know who were with them when their land was taken. They know who is still fighting for them and that is the ANC. That is why they are working together with the Minister forming task teams to deal with crisis of load shedding.
I invite you to even check these departments the District Development Model, DDM, model for the department for the planed agricultural infrastructure projects for our rural as the hon Shak Emam has indicated his concerns. Also check the plan that the farmers will be having under the purse that this department is running.
Please follow the briefings of Minister Ramokgopa on updates as he continues to battle the load shedding in this country. Can I also invite you with the hon Steyn to the next Sona by the President of the ANC, in 2024 and post-2024 you are still invited. [Applause.]
The hon Matiase, the hon Tshwete and the hon Skwatsha has spoken about the hectors that we will be getting under the restitution. However, I must also indicate to you that the budget that is allocated under the programme of agrarian reform and food security that is R6,3 billion. The second highest after the land restitution. There is R2,3 billion that is allocated for land acquisition and farmer development. So, it cannot be correct that there is nothing the hon Mbabama for our farmer’s development or farmer resettlement. [Applause.]
Land redistributed is on the reports. Can we also read the reports! Especially the annual performance plans, APP for the Commission of Land Restitution and Land Rights so that we also note the progress made and the strategy that we will be presenting to the Master of Court in terms of what has been said on hold orders. So, it will be prudent that you check that APP for the CLR an Independent Evaluation Group.
Now hon members, we also want to indicate that together and if we work tirelessly, we will be able to make sure that agriculture continue to grow in this country. While we celebrate our sector’s competitiveness and growth, we must not overlook the challenges we face, hon Minister. Let us work together to realise the vision outlined in this commitments and ensure a vibrant future for South Africa’s agricultural industry.
As the ANC, we support the adoption of Budget Vote No 29. I thank you. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL
DEVELOPMENT: House Chairperson, hon Masipa I won’t respond harshly but I will give facts on what some of you have raised.
And I think it’s important for me to thank the portfolio committee, for always putting us on our toes. In reflecting on issues that are of constituency and South African society in general are raising in respect of the work that we are doing.
I also want to thank Deputy Minister Capa and Deputy Minister Skwatsha who’ve really worked with us and the department, working together to make sure that the mandate that we’ve been given succeeds.
And we’ve never shied from acknowledging challenges where they exist. And we’ve been very open and transparent on where some of these challenges lie. We’ve also taken advice and be able to implement regardless from which political party this come from.
I just want to raise few issues that members have raised. Hon Mpapama on the 700 000 hectares that we needed to deliver, we have reported, not once or twice in the portfolio committee but also in the House. Despite the challenges in ... [Inaudible.] ... which you know very well, and the portfolio committee went there. Almost all of those hectares were given to communities and individuals.
We indicated that the 700 000 hectares, most of them if not all were actually land that belongs to the SA Development Trust. Land that was earmarked for the consolidation of homeland by the then government. And when the transition came that process was not concluded. And the majority of those lands were actually closer community. Some of the communities were already using them as grazing land and so on. And we did say when we came here. That we are not going to remove those communities, rather we will affirm their right to the use of that land.
Yes, there may be weaknesses that not all of them we’ve able as government and I am talking government in its entirety, including provinces, to give the necessary farmers support, so that those communities can farm if effectively. But as you know and as I do, that some of those lands are even enough for those communities, land needs for agricultural development.
Hon Masipa, coming on the issue of the owners support and the challenges, again not today but also in answering the questions in Parliament, both written and orally. We’ve indicated our acknowledgment of the challenges that are there. The new board when they came in, they had to deal with the
legacies of the Joint Monitoring Programme, JMP, the
R400 millio that you are referring to hon Breedt. Some of those are being dealt with by the Special Investigating Unit where the board find that there were fraudulent activities.
Others, it was the issues between the contractor and the time that the contractor took and certain procurements, which were done externally of which goods have not even received. That created part of the dilemma, that the institution is facing. Again these matters have been reported to you, even when you visited on the ... [Inaudible.]
On 28 March this year, the board took a decision, where they resolve with the contractor, that you know construction can proceed. I know it has taken time but work is ongoing.
With respect to allowing participation of private sector, companies in production of vaccines, we have never shied away from agreeing that has to happen. The letter here, which I referred to from Designed Biologists, dated 8 May 2023, they accept that in their application certain information was not put upfront to enable the registrar to actually register the vaccines. They’ve also indicated that some of their vaccine
particularly for blue tongue will still have to support the original vaccine of Onderstepoort Biological Products, OBP, because what they have been able to develop is actually a booster as you know in COVID-19, you got the initial dose and you got a booster.
And I must say that, though sometimes we may quibble here we’ve been very open with our sector and the industry and they have been open with us too. Where they have been weaknesses on their part, they’ve admitted and we’ve corrected those. It’s a pity that sometimes they don’t openly say some of these things, to say some of the weaknesses have been on our part.
Only pace of land reform, I accept that it might not have been as fast as all of us would like. But done in a little framework that all us agreed, following the constitutional negotiations.
Should we want to opt for another route that might as fast maybe what hon Matiase was saying, expropriation without compensation, I don’t know it is for Parliament to take that decision not for government to change the course. So, I am saying it’s important we acknowledge some of the decisions we have taken, but also the issue price distortion as raised by
hon Tlhape has been a challenge. And I think ... [Interjection. Thank you very much House Chairperson. But I think it will be important that some of our compatriots as South Africans, particularly those that own many lands parcels need to donate those to support land reform. Thank you. [Time expired.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Minister, I on behalf of National Assembly, also express our condolences to the loss of your family member this morning. You could have easily made other arrangements to not turn up but thank you for being here and to execute this important task that has been assigned to you by the President.
Members are reminded that the debate on Sport, Arts and Culture budget vote would take place at 2 pm in the Good Hope Chamber and the debate on Employment and Labour budget vote will take place also at two o’clock also in this venue Committee Room M46. That concludes the debate and the business this Mini-Plenary session. The Mini-Plenary will now rise.
Debate concluded.
The Mini-Plenary rose at 12:07.
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