Questions and Replies

Reply:

(a),(b),(c) The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights has no record of any claims submitted for Hansmoeskraal 202, Syferfontein 203 and Buffelsdrift 204 on or before 31 December 1998 in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act No. 22 of 1994.

The claim reference number A769 was lodged by the late Mr Abraham Arries for Pacaltsdorp which was dismissed as it was non-compliant with the provisions of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994. Attached as Annexure A is a copy of the non-compliance letter addressed to the claimant.

 

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Reply:

(a)(b),(c)(i),(ii) Please refer to Annexure A.

Reply:

(1)(a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) approved South African Farmers Development Association’s (SAFDA’s) ratoon management project for small-scale farmers in the sugar commodity to the value of R99 267 367.32. The project benefited over 10 679 farmers with a total of 116 415 bags of fertilizer across eleven mill areas in the six districts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province.

(b) SAFDA, through its Service Level Agreement with DALRRD, applied for ratoon management support/intervention to the Small-Scale Growers (SSGs) from the six KZN districts. As a commodity organisation, SAFDA uses Farmer Production Support Units (FPSUs) as instruments of delivery for all its farmer support services. This fertilizer project is accordingly delivered through FPSUs. FPSUs are geographically aligned and clustered according to industry mill areas and municipal districts. All 116 415 bags of fertilizer have been delivered. Verification of the portfolio of evidence was conducted by both SAFDA and provincial and district officials of DALRRD.

(c)(i),(ii),(d) The total cost for agricultural inputs was R99 267 367.32, and the total farming equipment purchased for all six FPSUs was R66 070 762.16; this equipment was procured over two years based on the approved business plans. Other minor FPSU office equipment procured amounts to R1 917 201.47. SAFDA was responsible for further distribution to the farmers at their cost using their existing fleet of trucks and bakkies.

(2) It was not advertised through specific political organisations, but the handover ceremony was organised through DALRRD’s communications unit, SAFDA communication unit and district, and local municipalities; and the advert was through loud hailing by communications officials.

3. The table below illustrates a summary of production input deliveries and the expenditure incurred:

SSG FERTILIZER PROJECT: 2023 SUMMARY OF DELIVERABLES

Municipal District	BUSINESS PLAN	RAND VALUES	Bags @R856
	Area	Growers
Umzimkulu	1 436.65	235	6 148 862	7 183
Sezela	3 166.59	1 661	13 553 005	15 833
UGU	4 603.24	1 896	19 701 867	23 016
Umfolozi	2 478.89	1 624	10 609 649	12 394
UMKHANYAKUDE	2 478.89	1 624	10 609 649	12 394
Gledhow	2 210.40	182	9 460 512	11 052
Darnall	1 948.55	160	8 339 794	9 742
Maidstone	1 476.30	343	6 318 564	7 382
ILEMBE	5 635.25	685	24 118 870	28 176
Noodsberg	849.60	714	3 636 288	4 248
Eston	737.45	487	3 156 286	3 687
UMGUNGUNDLOVU	1 587.05	1 201	6 792 574	7 935
Pongola RCL	136.60	16	584 648	683
ZULULAND	136.60	16	584 648	683
Amatikulu	4 040.22	2 661	17 292 142	20 201
Felixton/Makhatini/Jozini	4 801.75	2 596	20 551 490	24 009
KING CHETSHWAYO	8 841.97	5 257	37 843 632	44 210
TOTALS	23 283	10 679	97 274 342.52	116 415

 

Note! The total of R97 274 342.52 excludes management fees of R1 993 024.80.

4. No. Political affiliations were not considered, and therefore, the public procurement process was followed by requests for more than three written quotations from various service providers in the sector and the responsive quotation in terms of price was approved by both SAFDA (implementing agent) with the oversight of the Department. Kynoch Fertilizer was the preferred supplier as they were also the lowest quote and even leading in this industry.

(a),(b) Fall away.

Reply:

a) There are four (4) portions of the farm Tubbs Hill 650 LT which were handed over to Batlhabine ba Mogoboya Community also known as Batlhabine Communal Property Association namely; the Remaining Extent of Portion 1, the Remaining Extent of Portion 8 and Portion 11 of the farm Tubbs Hill 650 LT.

b) Please refer to the table below:

 

NAME OF THE FARM	EXTENT IN HECTARES/SIZE	LAND PURCHASE AMOUNT/COST	CROPS/ FARMING ACTIVITIES
Portion 11 of Tubbs Hill 650 LT	110.5866 ha	R5,375,888.00	Mango, Litchi, Banana orchards
R/E of Portion 8 of Tubbs Hill 650 LT	46.5116 ha	R5,650,000.00	Mango, Litchi, Banana orchards
Remaining Extent of Tubbs Hill 650 LT	108.0423 ha
Remaining Extent of Portion 1 of Tubbs Hill 650 LT (Remaining Extent of Coombe Bank 649 LT included by virtue of being valued and acquired as an economic unit)	78.7672 ha 184.4299 ha	R10,274,431.00	Mango, Litchi, Banana orchards
Total	343.9077	R21 300 319.00

Water

Water is sourced from Letsitele river through canals and stored in different reservoirs including earth dams. The farms are affiliated on the Letsitele Water Board. Boreholes are also available for consumption. Micro irrigation has been installed.

Infrastructure

The farms have homesteads and sheds which are predominantly used for packing and storage. There are also staff quarters in these different farms.

(c)(i),(ii) Please refer to the table below:

NAME OF THE FARM	PORTION	FARMING ACTIVITIES
Tubbs Hill 650 LT	Portion 11	Mango, Litchi, Banana orchards
Tubbs Hill 650 LT	R/E of Portion 8
Tubbs Hill 650 LT	Remaining Extent
Coombe Bank 649 LT	Remaining Extent
Tubbs Hill 650 LT	Portion 1 (R/E)

Post Settlement support

An amount to the tune of R13 720 261 was since released for the Development Assistance of Batlhabine Communal Property Association. There are different lessees on the farms transferred to Batlhabine CPA.

d) The approved Phase 1 submission indicates that initially 213 households were verified and consequently the number has increased to 582 households upon approval of the Phase 6 submission.

(e)(i),(ii) Please refer to the table below:

SUPPLIER DETAILS	PURPOSE OF EXPENDITURE	TOTAL COST
Truck & Tractor Specialist	Purchase of Tractors	1,069,890.00
Levuboer BK	purchase of chemical spray	166,383.00
Greater Tzaneen Municipality	settlement of electricity and water bills	131,782.29
Batlhabine CPA	Transfer to CPA - Operational & capital expenses to crop farming	4,500,000.00
Petrow Agri (PTY) Ltd	Purchase of fertilizers	163,567.20
Batlhabine CPA	Transfer to CPA - Operational & capital expenses to crop farming	7,688,638.51
TOTAL	13,720,261.00

END

Reply:

a) The figures were derived from the land claims database which records that a total of 83 067 claims have been settled in terms of approved Sections 42D, 42E and 35 submissions in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994 (Act No. 22 of 1994).

b) About 80 000 claims lodged by 31 December 1998.

c) 83 067; the number of settled claims to date is higher than the number of claims lodged as a result of how claims were accounted for previously ie where rights in land per claim were counted as opposed to the individual claim form lodged per claim.

 

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Reply:

a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) jointly with some Municipalities (e.g. City of Tshwane) and other relevant role players are organising dog safety and wellness campaigns to teach the public about safe dog keeping, management, controlled breeding, and wellness. This information will also be made available online and through publications (brochures) to empower members of the public.

b) Keeping of vicious dogs and related matters are governed by the Animal Matters Amendment Act, 1993 (Act No. 42 of 1993), which is administered by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

DALRRD is working with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to amend the Animal Matters Amendment Act, 1993 (Act 42 of 1993), to strengthen the Act with respect to offences and penalties.

We are also looking into DNA investigation to confirm the exact breeds of these types of dogs.

Reply:

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:

The rand value of South African Agricultural exports from April 2022 to March 2023 financial year (12 months):
	Billion Rand
(a) United States of America	8.820
(b) European Union (27)	41.948
(c) Russian Federation	4.357
(d) People’s Republic of China	12.055
(e) African continent	80.286

Note:

• Agricultural products - WTO definition;
• Billion = R1 000 000 000; and
• Source: SARS trade data obtained from the Easydata platform from Quantec. The Department subscribes to the data tool.

Reply:

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:

(a)(i),(ii),(iii),(iv),(v) Yes. Please refer to table 1 below.

Table 1(METTA)

MEMBER	ORGANISATION
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Mooketsa Ramasodi	Director-General, DALRRD (Chairperson) [email protected]
Clinton Heimann	[email protected]
Nasele Mehlomakulu	[email protected]
INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES
Theo Boshoff	[email protected]
Wandile Sihlobo	[email protected]
Annelize Crosby	[email protected]
Kulani Siweya	[email protected]
Christo Van der Rheede	[email protected]
M Matlou	[email protected]
Dr S. Ntombela	[email protected]
Ferdi Meyer	[email protected]
LAND BANK
Mr T. Rikhotso	Chief Executive Officer / Land Bank

(b) (i),(ii) The focus of the Agro-Energy Fund is on energy intensive agricultural activities. These include irrigation, intensive agricultural production systems, and on-farm cold chain related activities. Criteria for accessing the Agro-Energy Fund as part of the measures to reduce the impact of load shedding on farming enterprises is as follows:

QUALIFYING CRITERIA

• To be eligible, a company must be applying to implement an energy efficiency project or to implement a project that offsets electricity from the grid, through self-use renewable energy;
• Only one application per entity or applicant will be considered;
• No debt takeovers; debt settlements or refinancing;
• South African citizens with a valid ID and/or registered business entity;
• Must be 18 years and above;
• The Applicant must be operating an Agricultural Business at the Primary/ Secondary level;
• Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to utilize the energy requirements applied for;
• The grant will not be eligible to fund any alternative energy project/transaction on a stand-alone basis BUT will always be utilised to blend with a loan from the Land Bank. Furthermore, the grant cap per category may not be exceeded, however, depending on the business’s ability to afford a loan, the loan component may exceed the threshold stated;
• Smallholder, medium-scale, large-scale and mega commercial producers as defined;
• Producers involved in energy-intensive farming enterprises including on-farm cold chain related activities;
• Proof of land ownership or proof of access to land (e.g. Leases or PTOs – must be aligned to the term of the loan at the minimum);
• Allocation to prioritize Women, Youth, People with Disabilities and Military Veterans;
• Co-funding by DFIs, equity participants, private sector grants, other debt/equity programmes for the same purpose and project (sharing risks) is allowed if it forms part of the total project proposed. The process will be handled in-line with Land Bank policies and procedures;
• Producers meeting the Credit policy, procedures and processes of the Land Bank; and
• Product offering and product terms for the Agro-Energy Fund to be guided by the Land Bank Product Manual.

REQUIREMENTS

• Operating entities - Financial statements for the last three years as a minimum if operating for more than 3 years (if available);
• New entrants – will be assessed in-line with the cash flow projections of the proposed business;
• Business Plan demonstrating the impact of the grant on the business’s operations, to be supported by cash flow projections of at least 24 months;
• All the normal Land Bank requirements for the blended Agro Energy facility will apply;
• Feasibility/ energy expert report determining the energy requirement and significant energy uses of the farm. This must include the Infrastructure design;
• For existing farmers proof of historical energy consumption (three months municipality bill or equivalent) and for new entrants as per the energy expert requirements report;
• Environmental authorisations (EIA/EA) where applicable (an EIA is not required for ground mount systems below 10MW and with a physical footprint of less than 1 ha. Rooftop systems, floating PV on dams etc. do not require EIA as they are on existing infrastructure. However, if the installations require activity clearance of vegetation or working off a watercourse might trigger the need for an EIA);
• A generation license from NERSA where applicable in terms of the regulations;
• Health and Safety requirements to be complied with;
• Quotations for Capex requirements: Specifying the aftercare service, warranties, lifespan;
• Certification of the service provider of choice as a qualified entity/individual for installation registered with relevant competent authorities e.g. South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) https://www.sapvia.org.za/members-service-directory/ for the solar energy industry; as well as other similar bodies for the various other energy solutions that the fund will consider; and
• Technical support pre and post installation: Possibly provided by DBSA (through DALRRD partnership with DBSA). The technical support will be used to obtain certification or confirmation that the installations meet the requisite standards and requirements.

(2) No, since the Ministerial launch of the fund was done on 29 August 2023.

Reply:

1.(a) Both passive and active surveillance for African Horse Sickness (AHS) are

implemented within the AHS controlled area. Our passive surveillance has been shown to be excellent for the rapid detection of AHS outbreaks within the AHS controlled area while our active surveillance provides assurance that no outbreaks circulate undetected in these areas. In the AHS infected zone, only passive surveillance is implemented as active serological surveillance using unvaccinated sentinel animals would be impractical and even detrimental to the welfare of such horses in this zone.

b) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development periodically sends out media alerts which encourages all horse owners to protect their animals from AHS by shielding horses from midges by stabling them two hours before sunset to at least two hours after sunrise; using registered insecticides and repellents to repel and kill midges; keep horses away from areas where midges breed such as damp and wet areas as well as refrain from moving infected horses to other properties or uninfected horses to properties where there are cases of AHS.

Reporting challenges regarding AHS outbreak in the Eastern Cape Province earlier in 2023 have been addressed with the relevant officials. The officials have indicated education and awareness was to be undertaken with farmers and reporting would be improved.

The map below shows the AHS controlled area consisting of the free, surveillance and protection zones vs the AHS infected zone.

(2) No. Compensation in terms of section 19 of the Animal Diseases Act,1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984) is only applicable for animals which have been destroyed under supervision of Veterinary Services pursuant to a control measure. Table 2 of the Animal Diseases Regulations R2026 of 1986 states that AHS infected horses shall be isolated for a certain period and destruction of infected horses is not prescribed. The horses mentioned in the question died and were not destroyed pursuant to any control measure or order. Section 19 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 is therefore not applicable to these animals.

Reply:

1) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) implements the following mitigation measures to address the risk of veld fire:

• DALRRD compiled contingency plans which were shared with provinces for their consideration and implementation during fire emergencies;
• The South African Weather Services (SAWS) issues monthly seasonal weather forecasts and highlights the dry winter season with the possibilities of fires being experienced during the forecast period. SAWS also issue early warning information in case of high possibilities of fires and this information is shared with provinces to alert the farming communities of possible fires; and
• DALRRD shares the advisories on the issued winter forecasts and early warnings, as well as strategies for farming communities to be able to respond once they experience such fires. These allow the provinces and farming communities to put measures in place to address the risks associated with the predicted weather forecast for the fire season such as creation of fire breaks and moving their livestock to barred lands during possible fires.

(2) (a) The contingency plans are discussed and shared with all provinces through emails, virtual and physical meetings. The plans are also discussed during farmers’ days outings.

(b) Both national and provincial departments of agriculture have operational funding to implement these plans. In cases where the hazard leads to a disastrous situation, DALRRD approaches the National Disaster Management Centre for financial assistance.

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is implementing various financial assistance programmes to enable farmers to improve production together with the provision of production inputs and access to the markets. These include the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) and the Ilima/Letsema programme. These conditional grants are aimed at promoting and facilitating agricultural development and increased production by beneficiaries of land reform or other black producers who have acquired land privately. The Ilima/Letsema in particular is aimed at supporting rural communities and vulnerable households to produce their own food. Since its inception in 2008, the Ilima/Letsema programme has supported 1,572,952 (one million five hundred and seventy-two thousand nine hundred and fifty-two) beneficiaries to produce their own food. The support includes starter packs for households, schools and community gardens, mechanization support as well as production inputs.

In 2020/21, the DALRRD started implementing the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) initiative with the support from Presidency. Through PES, the DALRRD is supporting the Subsistence Producers with agricultural production inputs. This initiative is aimed at supporting the agricultural sector to retain self-employment and strengthening local food value chains. The agricultural production inputs support is through the e-voucher system for commodities such as fruit and vegetables, grains, poultry, and small and large stock. The support targets women, youth, child-headed households, people living with disabilities and Military Veterans.

Moreover, the Agricultural Research Council has assisted farmers with technological support, drought-resistant cultivars, and advice on cultivars and soils to support their decision-making on their farms. The Provincial Departments of Agriculture (PDAs) have provided support to farmers by providing services like Extension and Advisory Support, Agricultural Engineering, Veterinary, and Agricultural Economics such as business plans, market access, training and mentorship.

To mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on production, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development ensured that agricultural activities were designated as essential services so that farm operations and related backwards and forward linkages were not affected or restricted during the lockdown. The agricultural activities were gazetted as such in the Disaster Management Act Regulations.

In addition, the Department provided support measures for all main categories of farmers as follows:

• Commercial farmers had an amount of R100 million available (though only about R10 million was accessed) at the Land Bank to support them to carry on with production during the COVID-19 pandemic; these measures were over and above the business support administered by banks.
• Smallholder farmers: the department made available a grant of up to R50 000.00 [fifty thousand rands] and an amount of R1,1 billion was applied and approved for this category of farmers benefitting 15746 smallholder farmers.
• Household and subsistence farmers: the department has allocated more than R991 million since the pandemic. To date, about 110 225 subsistence producers have been supported through PES.

FINANCIAL YEAR	EXPENDITURE ON PES SUPPORT	NUMBER OF FARMERS SUPPORTED
	R
2020/21	242 677 000	104 906
2021/22	518 680 600
2022/23	229 805 470,00	5 319 (a total of 36 895 is targeted for support in 2023/24
TOTAL	991 163 070	110 225

Table 1: PES support 2020/21 – 2022/23

Reply:

A total of 1 578 temporary jobs have been created to date.

• In Zanyokwe Farmer Production Support Unit (FPSU), Eastern Cape: vegetable farmers have been assisted with market access to several Boxer Retailers to supply cabbage and spinach. Corporate Enterprise Development (CED) is also facilitating relations with other retailers such as Spar etc. where farmers can also supply.
• Three (3) entities have benefited through leasing of the infrastructure at the Tarlton FPSU sites, Gauteng.
• Farmers can easily access Government programmes.
• FPSU Packhouses is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers and sorted, washed, and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hubs and Markets.
• The packhouse facility will be used as a point of trade for the farmers for market access through the auction facility.
• Farmers will benefit from the Market. (Agro-processing infrastructure).
• Secondary Cooperatives have been registered to manage allocated resources.
• Farmers are allocated mechanization and production inputs.
• Training facilities are being utilised by the local farmers to conduct their meetings.
• FPSUs act as a distributing centre for production inputs for farmers within 30km radius.
• Agri-Hubs are meant to handle pre-handled fresh produce from the FPSU packhouses before sending them to the Market.
• Farmers are continuously selling their livestock monthly through auctions.
• The Bulk Irrigation System (revitalisation of the Ebenhaeser Irrigation System) completed in 2021 provides water to 153 emerging farmers. This includes a reservoir with capacity of 35 000 m3. A gravity pipeline system from the reservoir delivers water to each of the 153 plots through 53 water clusters (distribution points). To date the revitalisation of the Ebenhaeser Irrigation System has resulted in increased agricultural activity for 153 farmers. The famers supply their produce to well established market players like Tiger Brands and Up-To-Date fruit and vegetable store.

Please refer to the table below for details per province.

PROVINCE/ AGRIPARK	ECONOMIC RETURNS AND BENEFITS
EASTERN CAPE
Butterworth Agri-hub (Mnquma)	Mnquma Abattoir being implemented by Eastern Cape Development Corporation. Scheduled for completion by May 2025. Livestock improvement in Amathole District. Market access for their livestock. Skills development. Economic upliftment to the Amathole District. Approximately 200 cooperatives will benefit and 15 permanent jobs will be created.
Zanyokwe FPSU	Zanyokwe FPSU has created 28 temporary jobs. The repairs, refurbishments and additions to Zanyokwe FPSU reached practical completion on 29 August 2023. Corporate Enterprise Development (CED): facilitated the appointment of 1 administrationistrative person, 3 tractor drivers for a period of 3 years. Vegetable Farmers have been assisted with market access to several Boxer Retailers to supply cabbage and spinach, etc CED is also facilitating relations with other retailers such as SPAR. where farmers can also supply.
FREE STATE
Thaba-Nchu Agri-Hub	Construction of abattoir project under implementation and the progress is sitting at 97% and the holding pens project completed. 28 temporary job opportunities created. The FPSU Abattoir is where livestock will be received directly from farmers within the Thaba-Nchu area and neighbouring towns. Slaughtering and processing of the meat will be done at this Abattoir and graded before sent to larger Market. Market access will contribute to job creation.
Springfontein Agri Hub	Construction of mechanization centre and boundary fence completed. 21 temporary job opportunities created. The Agri-Hub is meant to handle pre-handled fresh produce from FPSU packhouses before sending them to the larger Market. That’s a value adding process to the Market. Farmers and community will benefit from Market access and job creation.
Kroonstad FPSU	Secondary Cooperative is registered to manage allocated resources. The farmers are allocated mechanization and production inputs. The construction of mechanization centre, bulk services, boundary fence and guard house completed. The FPSU has created 15 temporary jobs. The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market. Farmers will benefit from Market. (Agro-processing infrastructure).
Ondedaalsrus FPSU	Secondary Cooperative is registered to manage allocated resources. The farmers are allocated mechanization and production inputs. The construction of mechanization centre, bulk services, boundary fence and guard house completed. The FPSU has created 15 jobs. The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers and sorted, washed and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market.
Ficksburg FPSU	Construction of mechanization centre, boundary fence and guard house completed. The FPSU has created 21 temporary jobs. The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed, and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market. Farmers will benefit from Market and create jobs for the community.
Makholokoeng FPSU	Construction of Pack house and mechanization centre, boundary fence, guard house, control room and weigh bridge completed. Secondary cooperative registered. The FPSU has created 10 jobs. The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed, and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market. Opportunity for local job creation.
Zastron FPSU	Mechanization in place and business operating for farmers and affiliated cooperatives. Secondary cooperative registered. The FPSU has created 10 jobs. The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed, and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market.
GAUTENG
Tarlton FPSU	150ha and 27 farmers supported. The Secondary cooperative is in the process of being registered. This FPSU has created 48 temporary jobs. Mobile Offices, Boardroom, Cold Rooms, Packaging house and production tunnels have been constructed. Farmers have access to cold rooms, packaging facilities and add value on their produce. 3 entities benefited through leasing of the infrastructure at the FPSU sites. Their production is viable, and they are sustaining the project. Government officials and farmers now meet at the FPSU as there is a venue and facilities for meetings. Farmers can easily access Government programmes. Also used as distribution centres for production inputs to other local farmers.
Carmel Estate FPSU	The Secondary cooperative is in the process of being registered. This FPSU created 25 temporary jobs. 20 Production Tunnels have been completed. Beneficiaries selection and recruitment is in the process and will be finalised in 30 September 2023. Local farmers will have access to tunnels and primary production. Locals will have access to food as there will be production this summer.
Bekkersdal FPSU	Secondary Cooperative is registered to manage allocated resources. The farmers are allocated mechanization, shade net, production tunnels and production inputs. The Farmers are producing on the shade nets, and production tunnels. There is an existing administrationistration office with offices and boardroom. The farmers are taking ownership of daily operations within FPSU. The farmers are allocated a truck, bakkie and crates to assist them with harvesting and transporting of produce to the market. Farmers access land for production. Training facilities: Local farmers conduct their meetings at the facilities. Access to research trial onsite. The FPSU also acts as a distributing centre for production inputs for farmers with 30km radius. This FPSU created 23 temporary jobs. The Department is in the process of completing a warehouse that will assist the farmers with storage.
Eikenhof FPSU	This FPSU created 35 temporary jobs. Production tunnels were completed whereby farmers are producing vegetables. 30ha and 10 cooperatives supported. The farm facilities also benefit 35 cooperatives residing within 30km radius. The Cooperatives benefit through access to mechanisation, access to training facilities, access to poultry abattoirs and access to government information as there is permanent officials onsite.
Sokhulumi FPSU	This FPSU created 6 temporary jobs. NPC is registered to manage allocated resources. The farmers are allocated mechanization, shade net, tunnels and production inputs. The FPSU shed has been revamped, is used to store Mechanisation and Implements. Currently 51 farmers affiliated to be members of the FPSU, planting on more than 7400 hectares of land.
KWAZULU-NATAL
Hlathikhulu FPSU	15 temporary jobs were created during construction. The project will allow for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administrationistration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.
Makhathini FPSU (Oil Seed Storage)	10 temporary jobs were created during construction. Storage facility allows for the seed to be stored under shelter before being sold, increasing the selling price.
Noordsbereg FPSU	20 temporary jobs were created during construction.
Qwabe FPSU	20 temporary jobs were created during construction.
Jozini FPSU	20 temporary jobs were created during construction.
Felixton FPSU	20 temporary jobs were created during construction.
Fezela FPSU	20 temporary jobs were created during construction.
Matikulu FPSU	20 temporary jobs were created during construction.
Bernsdorp FPSU	7 temporary jobs were created during construction. The feedlot facility, after construction, will act as a value adding facility and guaranteed market for livestock farmers to get higher process for their animals.
KwaShinga FPSU	Contractor not yet appointed. The project allows for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administrationistration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.
Mkhuze Rail Logistic Hub	25 temporary jobs were created during construction.
Nsuze FPSU	9 temporary jobs were created during construction. The project will allow for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administrationistration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.
Tugela Ferry FPSU	50 temporary jobs were created during construction. The project will allow for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.
Jiki Jela FPSU	25 temporary jobs were created during construction. The project will allow for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.
St Paul FPSU	10 temporary jobs were created during construction.
Clanso FPSU	12 temporary jobs were created during construction. The project allows for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.
Amanzabomvu FPSU	39 temporary jobs were created during construction.
Hopewell FPSU	05 temporary jobs were created during construction.
Hlabisa FPSU	10 temporary jobs were created during construction. The project allows for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.
Pomeroy FPSU	20 temporary jobs were created during construction. The project allows for farmers to buy in bulk and store their inputs; do basic packing and sorting of their produce before it leaves for market; facility for training; use of offices for administration and ablutions and changerooms for labour.
Makhathini Cotton Ginnery	Currently Professional Service Provider is busy with the designs. Once completed the Ginnery will be able to gin 15000 tons of cotton as compared to the current 6000 tons. This will allow for the expansion of the planting area from the current 2000 ha dry land to about 8000 ha, supporting an additional 800 beneficiaries.
LIMPOPO
Witpoort FPSU	The investment towards infrastructure development of this FPSU resulted in the creation of 61 temporary jobs. The packhouse facility will be used as a point of trade for the farmers for market access through the auction facility, crop farmers will have access to mechanisation and it will also serve as a training centre. The facility is complemented by the local extension services office which is within the same premises.
Vleeschboom FPSU	The FPSU has a registered Secondary Co-operative with 10 members of Board of Directors. This FPSU employed 6 contract workers (security officials) and 90 temporary jobs were created during the construction of infrastructures. The packhouse facility will be used as a point of trade for the farmers for market access through FPSU to various mills to be contracted with secondary cooperative. Crop farmers will have access to mechanisation and it will also serve as a training centre. The centre has a storage for both inputs and chemicals, this will assist the farmers to access their daily inputs as and when they need them. The facility will also serve as a service point for the local extension services. Currently the facility is being used as a dispatching and receiving area for inputs and chemicals
Masalal FPSU	FPSU provided support to farmers with mechanisation services and production inputs. This FPSU also employed 6 contract workers (security officials) and 45 temporary jobs were created. The packhouse facility will be used as a point of trade for the farmers for market access through the FPSU to various fresh produce markets. The FPSU will be capacitated with washing, sorting and packaging machinery to support farmers. Crop farmers will have access to mechanisation and it will also serve as a training centre. The facility will also serve as a service point for the local extension services. The facility is currently being used as a receiving and dispatching area for inputs and chemicals.
Sekhukhune Agri-hub	Construction of this Agri-hub created 20 temporary jobs. The facility will be used as a point of trade for the farmers for market access through the FPSU to various fresh produce markets. The FPSU will be capacitated with washing, sorting and packaging machinery to support farmers. Crop farmers will have access to mechanisation and it will also serve as a training centre. The facility will also serve as a service point for the local extension services.
MPUMALANGA
Mkhuhlu Agri-hub	A service provider is appointed by Provincial Agriculture to operate the Hub. This FPSU has created 45 temporary jobs. The Agri-Hub is meant to handle pre-handled fresh produce from FPSU packhouses before sending them to the Market. Farmers will benefit from Market access.
Thulamahashe FPSU	Primary co-operatives are producing on farms and selling directly to the market. This FPSU created 40 temporary jobs. The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market. Farmers will benefit from Market. (Agro-processing infrastructure)
Huntington FPSU	Secondary co-operative engaging Mathumi Fresh Produce Market for a potential strategic partnership. There is currently a proposal of having strategic partners to provide mentorship and address the issue of markets, and to ensure the packhouse is utilised for the intended purpose of packaging. Primary co-operatives are producing in their farms and selling directly to the market. This FPSU has created 30 temporary jobs. The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market. Farmers will benefit from Market. (Agro-processing infrastructure).
Mzinti FPSU	The packhouse is in the process of GAP certification. This FPSU has created 10 temporary jobs. The FPSU Packhouse is where fresh produce will be received directly from farmers sorted, washed and graded before sent to secondary Agri-Hub and Market. Farmers will benefit from Market. (Agro-processing infrastructure).
Dundonald FPSU	Secondary co-op has been established with 10 primary co-ops affiliated. Farmers are active on the ground. The grain mill is part of Agro-processing infrastructure which will provide storage and processing of grains of the farmers before the Market. It will enable farmers to access the market.
Sydbrandskraal FPSU	Iphakeme Secondary coop established. Grain Production and Vegetables access mechanisation from FPSU. This FPSU has created 20 temporary jobs. The grain mill is part of Agro-processing infrastructure which will provide storage and processing of grains of the farmers before the Market. It will enable farmers to access the market.
Kameelrevier FPSU Hydroponics	There are about 10 young people producing vegetables in the tunnels under the support of provincial Agriculture. This FPSU has created 19 temporary jobs. The young farmers at this project produce vegetables in the tunnels built and primary handling in the mini packhouse with cold room before sending them to the Market.
Malelane-Nkomati FPSU	Farmers are producing sugarcane and SAFDA assist with markets. This FPSU created 45 temporary jobs. The small holder Sugar Cane farmers will improve their yield per hector and sucrose quality through improved drip irrigation infrastructure and FPSU centre where irrigation maintenance team comprised of young people from NARYSEC will be housed, farmers training and mechanisation centre and fuel depo meant for supporting the farmers production. The farmers goal is to have their sugar mill which will produce renewable energy to lower their production cost.
NORTH WEST
Makweleng FPSU	The Makweleng FPSU has created 32 temporary jobs. Benefit to farmers: Farmers are continuously selling their livestock monthly through Auctions. Value adding to farmers: Emerging small-scale farmers can easily buy and sell at a market related price and improve profit margins.
Jericho FPSU	The Jericho FPSU has created 23 temporary jobs. Benefit to farmers: Boost the input and production aspects of the commodity value chain (red meat). Value adding to farmers: The feedlot will improve the intensive production system of growing and or fattening cattle until they reach required slaughter weight and thus improve profit margins.
Bedwang FPSU	The Bedwang FPSU has created 19 temporary jobs. Benefit to farmers: The auction facility will ensure that farmers are continuously selling their livestock monthly through Auctions. Value adding to farmers: Emerging small-scale farmers can easily buy and sell at a market related price and improve profit margins.
Taung FPSU	The Taung FPSU has created 20 temporary jobs. Benefit to farmers: Boost the input and production aspects of the commodity value chain (red meat and crop) and ensure that farmers are continuously planting and selling their produce and livestock monthly through auctions. Value adding to farmers: Emerging small-scale farmers will easily buy and sell at a market related price and improve profit margins. It will also bring under-utilized land (especially in Communal Areas and land reform farms) into full production and expand irrigated agriculture.
Springbokpan Agri-hubs	The FPSU created 79 temporary jobs. Benefit to farmers: The project will support small- holder farmers through the provision of infrastructure, extension services, production inputs and mechanization input to improve grain production. Value adding to farmers: Processing for local markets and providing market information while paving the way to complete the value chain.
Makapanstad Agri-hub	The FPSU created 16 temporary jobs. Benefit to farmers: The project will support small- holder farmers through the provision of infrastructure, extension services, production inputs and mechanization input to improve production. Value adding to farmers: Processing for local markets and providing market information while paving the way to complete the value chain in mixed farming.
Vryburg Agri-hub	The FPSU has created 14 temporary jobs. Benefit to farmers: The project will support small- holder farmers through the provision of infrastructure, extension services, production inputs and mechanization input to improve production and access to market. Value adding to farmers: Processing for local markets and providing market information while paving the way to complete the value chain in red meat production.
Matlosana Agri-hub	The FPSU has created 13 temporary jobs. Benefit to farmers: Sustainable livelihoods. Value adding to farmers: Increased commercial output of livestock production, processing for local markets and providing market information in the project area while paving the way to complete the value chain.
NORTHERN CAPE
Heuningvlei FPSU	600 farmers organised into 57 Primary Cooperatives with a Secondary Cooperative as a governing structure. Cooperatives supported with logistics, equipment, mobile and permanent infrastructure and production inputs. The Heuningvlei FPSU consists of security fencing, borehole, auction facilities, staff housing, administration block, boardroom facility and storage shed. The new boardroom was constructed for meetings and training of farmers. The farmers will also have access to ICT facilities which will be installed soon. The storage shed will be used to store implements, equipment, and inputs for the farmers in the area. The auction facility has been renovated for the farmers to sell their cattle at competitive prices. The staff houses and administration block were renovated for use by technical staff who will provide extension and technical support to farmers. 6 temporary jobs have been created.
Eksteenskuil FPSU	8 temporary jobs have been created. The administration portion of the FPSU which is situated at the Eiland Research station has been renovated. The staff houses and administration block were renovated for use by technical staff who will provide extension and technical support to farmers.
WESTERN CAPE
Haarlem FPSU	71 small scale farmers supported including women and youth. Anhalt farm currently employs 25 permanent workers and up to 149 seasonal workers. 10 Primary Cooperatives registered under the Haarlem FPSU. There are nine (9) vegetable primary cooperatives and one for youth who are former NARYSEC participants. Currently, the department is facilitating the process of registering the 10 primary cooperatives into a secondary cooperative that will manage the Haarlem FPSU. 13 temporary job opportunities were created during the construction of the mechanization centre. With the investment (construction of a mechanization centre, production inputs and machinery) from government these farmers can access services such as storage and primary processing and packaging of their produce which would have been otherwise costly. Having a mechanization centre close to where they harvest from enables the farmers to save on transport cost. Machinery and equipment that were traditionally leased from the commercial market is accessible and available at a cost-effective lease rate (amount). The farmers can take their own produce to the mechanisation centre without the involvement of a middle-man. Feeder projects such as Anhalt Farming are able to increase their capacity to export their produce because they make use of the services at the Haarlem FPSU and can get materials such as the crates used for fruit export from the Haarlem Youth project operating from the Haarlem FPSU. Farmers have access to and are given training on how to run the FPSU (e.g. governance training, financial and business management training). Ability to have a greater market access. Benefits and Future Plans: The Haarlem FPSU plans to employ support staff such an administration, security, tractor drivers, truck drivers as well as mechanics for service and repairs. The Haarlem FPSU plans to have temporary job opportunities to support the vegetable farmers during planting and harvesting seasons. The Haarlem NARYSEC youth plans to employ additional youth as temporary workers during the harvesting season and in assisting them to increase production.
Ebenhaeser FPSU	The management of the assets of the FPSU is the responsibility of the Eben-Agric (PTY) LTD which was registered with CIPC during 2021 and consists of Ebenhaeser beneficiaries. Also providing input to the management of the FPSU are 5 Primary Co-operatives and 1 secondary Co-operative, which includes: FPSU Ebenhaeser Secondary Cooperative Ebenhaeser Lucerne Farmers Primary Cooperative Grapes of Ebenhaeser Primary Cooperative Eben Fruit and Vegetables Primary Cooperative Ebenhaeser Livestock Primary Cooperative The farmers received their production inputs support from the Land Claims Commission. The Bulk Irrigation System (revitalisation of the Ebenhaeser irrigation system) completed in 2021 provides water to 153 emerging farmers. This includes a reservoir (with capacity of 35 000 m3). A gravity pipe line system from the reservoir delivers water to each of the 153 plots through 53 water clusters (distribution points). The construction of the reservoir and bulk irrigation system created 29 temporary jobs in the local community. To date the revitalisation of the Ebenhaeser irrigation system has resulted in increased agricultural activity for 153 farmers. In addition to the 76 lucerne farmers, the following results have already been realised: * 12 wine grape farmers (13 ha); * 1 raisin grape farmer (1 ha); * 4 hybrid seed farmers (1 ha); * 4 processing tomato farmers (4 ha); and * 62 permanent jobs and 200 seasonal jobs have been created during harvesting periods. The famers supply their produce to well established market players like Tiger Brands and Up-To-Date fruit and vegetable store.
Saron FPSU	The Department registered 10 primary cooperatives and formulated the Saron secondary cooperative. Saron has been identified as one of the FPSUs in the Cape Winelands for the following reasons: • It is close in proximity to emerging farmers and the Agri-hub in Ceres; and • The proximity to production of main and support commodities. The FPSU site is on municipal land and will be re-developed and used as a mechanisation centre, packing facility and storage. The FPSU has a catchment area of Saron, Tulbagh (37km), Gouda (18km), Porterville (19km) and Riebeek west (87km) to support stock farmers (cattle, sheep and goats) vegetable and grain farmers. The Agri-hub in Ceres will support the feeder FPSUs from Saron. The project will improve farming operations in this catchment area by the provision of much needed infrastructure to boost production and feed the Agri-hub in Ceres. The Agri-hub in Ceres will support the feeder FPSUs from Saron. During construction phase of the mechanization centre (Saron FPSU), training in labour-based construction will assist local and emerging contractors and it is estimated that 10-15 local residents will benefit from job creation.
Suurbraak FPSU	20 small scale farmers have been supported. The Department registered 5 primary cooperatives in the Suurbraak FPSU. The identified Agri-hub is in Bredasdorp about 110km from the FPSU. The development of the infrastructure is to boost the production of emerging farmers. The Agri-hub will receive Lucerne, vegetables and livestock from the FPSU. The planned mechanization centre (Suurbraak FPSU) will include a small produce handling facility; a packing and cooling facility; storage facility; local market and administration facility. The site is in close proximity to small scale and emerging farmers and to the production of main and support commodities. During construction phase of the mechanisation, training in labour- based construction will assist local and emerging contractors and it is estimated that 10-15 local residents will benefit from job creation.

Reply:

1. (a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is not at liberty to disclose identifying information about owners who offered their assets to the Department. The Department can however illustrate through the list of farms below where the prices were inflated.

(b),(c)(i),(ii)(aa)-(bb) List of farms where the prices were inflated (names withheld).

Farm Name	(c)(i) farm locations Western Cape	Offer to Sell	(c)(ii) (aa) their Market Value	Final Offer	Status	(c)(bb) the total amount by which each farm was inflated
Farm A	Western Cape	R30 000 000	R23 580 000 (land and improvements)	R13 990 000	Final Offer Declined and after negotiations asking price of R27 million	R3 420 000 (price inflation after final offer)
Farm B	Western Cape	R18 604 651	R11 032 000 (land and improvements)	R11 337 000	Final Offer Declined and after negotiations asking price of not less that R23 million	R11 968 000 (price inflation after final offer)
Farm C	Western Cape	R2 900 000	R3 126 000 (land and improvements)	R2 282 660	Final Offer Declined and after negotiations, asking price of not less than R 3.2 million	R17 340 (price inflation after final offer)
Farm D	Western Cape	R65 000 000	R51 400 000 (land and improvements)	R24 777 479	Offer accepted	R0 (owner accepted reduced offer)
Farm E	Western Cape	R10 607 300	R 7 016 620 (land and improvements)	R6 300 000	Offer accepted	R0 (owner accepted reduced offer)
Farm F	Western Cape	R65 000 000	R67 975 000 (land and improvements)	R66 452 500 [R50 877 500.00 (land + R15 575 000.00 (movables)]	Final Offer Declined and after negotiations requested a new asking price which the department did not consider.	Cannot be determined as the department withdrew from further negotiations.

2. Yes. The Office of the Valuer General issues the conditional certificate to the property owner to which he/she makes representations within 30 days in terms of the Regulations under the Property Valuation Act No. 17 of 2014, considering the current use value of the property; historical value pertaining to acquisition benefits on the property; market value of the property; and lastly, the direct state investment and subsidies on the property. During this period the Office of the Valuer General in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development enters negotiations with the property owner to reach an agreement on offers made.

Reply:

a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Land Bank as the appointed Fund manager. The focus of the Agro-Energy Fund is on energy intensive agricultural activities. These include irrigation, intensive agricultural production systems and on-farm cold chain related activities. The MOU therefore details amongst others, a clear set of criteria with regards to who will benefit from the fund, the industries / commodities enterprises, the exclusions to the fund, the qualifying criteria, and other factors. This detail seeks to ensure that no anomalies are entertained and thus ensure that the most relevant enterprises apply for support.

b) Clause 18 of the MOU entered between DALRRD and Land Bank, depicts activities under Audit and Inspections, that could be carried out by DALRRD to ensure adherence to the conditions agreed to in the management of the fund. For example, the MoU provides for DALRRD, through its internal or external auditors, to undertake an audit of the Land Bank financial records relating to the Fund; the appropriation of funds, and relevant statistics and information relating to the Fund. Thus, it is envisaged that the application of all these agreed to principles will be adhered to and address potential misuse of the funds.

Reply:

No, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has not undertaken studies to assess the economic and environmental impact of the fires, specifically in relation to global warming. This is an area we will consider looking into in future.

The Department is aware that various country studies have been undertaken on the impact of climate change and linkage of global warming with the increase of wildfires. The Department has commissioned research studies that include vulnerability assessments on the impacts of climate change in collaboration with academic and research institutions such as the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), University of the North and University of Venda. The Department will be undertaking studies to assess the economic and environmental impact of the fires at a later stage.

Based on the outputs and recommendations from research findings and in support of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998, the Department is prioritising preventative measures to reduce the risks of fires on agricultural grassland across South Africa. Current measures include implementing departmental programmes on disaster risk reduction, which includes awareness, capacity building as well as training for farmers. The Department has also collaborated with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) as the custodian of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act to assist with strategies to reduce fire risks and hazards.

Reply:

1. (a)(i)-(iii), (b) Please refer to the table below.

FINANCIAL LOSSES	2020/2021	2021/2022	2022/2023	(b) 1 April 2023
TOTAL	R636 576 200	R4 958 106 550	R3 611 996 300	R2 985 080 050

(2) Below is the financial breakdown of losses per province.

PROVINCE	2020/2021	2021/2022	2022/2023	2023
Eastern Cape	Nil	Nil	Nil	R3 563 000
Free State	R43 420 000	R10 500 000	R10 000 000	R6 750 000
Gauteng	Nil	Nil	Nil	R3 050 000
KwaZulu Natal	Did not submit / quantify financial losses.
North West	Nil	R4 798 963 000	R3 142 444 500	R2 391 363 000
Mpumalanga	R578 000 000	R111 000 000	R403 000 000	R561 000 000
Limpopo	Nil	Nil	Nil	R13 640 700
Northern Cape	R5 156 200	R37 643 550	R56 551 800	R5 713 350
Western Cape	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
TOTAL	R626 576 200	R4 958 106 550	R3 611 996 300	R2 985 080 050

(3) The provinces used different methods to estimate the losses.

Reply:

(a)(i),(ii)(aa),(bb),(cc),(b),(c),(i),(ii) Please refer to Annexure A.

ANNEXURE A TO NA-QUES 2762 OF 2023

Details of Annual Reports	Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development	Entities
		Ingonyama Trust Board	Commission on Restitution of Land Rights	CPA	SAVC	PPECB	OBP	NAMC	ARC	OVG
(a) Total amount	(aa) 2020-21	R0.00	R0.00	R158 281.40	R458 684	R24 250.53	R338 549.65	R29 600	R32 400	R74 766.33	R17 800.00
	(bb) 2021-22	R145 560.00	R0.00	R177 289.75	R574 000.00	R14 209.26	R280 025.00	R17 390	R23 749.80	R52 377.62	R25 367.00
	(cc) 2022-23	R0.00	R0.00	R289 945.00	R575 800.00	R14 209.26	R297 056.50	R21 735	R27 000.00	R383 448.74	R44 984.00
(b) Supplier	(aa) 2020-21	Falls away	Falls away	Janine Smith	Seriti Institute	Minuteman Press, Centurion	Brandesign (Pty) Ltd	Idea	Mathisisa Trading and Projects	Uvo Communication Design and Print	Maks-Millan General Trading
	(bb) 2021-22	SonwabaM Projects (PTY) LTD	Falls away	Janine Smith	Seriti Institute	Robain Solutions, Pretoria	Openform Studios CC	Creative Laundry	Lebone Litho Printers	Uvo Communication Design and Print	Maks-Millan General Trading
	(cc) 2022-23	Falls away	Falls away	Fine Art Printer	MAPS Media Agency	Robain Solutions, Pretoria	Openform Studios CC	Creative Laundry	Just in Graphix Communications	Anzomode	KGS Trading Enterprise
(c) (i),(ii) Total copies	(aa) 2020-21	0	0	150	400	130	500	200	160	250	120
	(bb) 2021-22	200	0	200	400	80	500	30	150	180	50
	(cc) 2022-23	0	0	300	300	80	250	30	150	180	50

Reply:

1. (a) (i) The Animal Matters Amendment Act, 1993 (Act 42 of 1993).

(ii) Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

(b) Municipalities are responsible for public safety.

2. It is the responsibility of each municipality.

3. No. State veterinarians are responsible for the control of diseases; the control of vicious dogs falls outside their mandate.

4. (a) (i) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development together with some municipalities (e.g. City of Tshwane) and other relevant role players are organising dog safety and wellness campaigns to teach the public about safe dog keeping, management, controlled breeding and wellness. This information will also be made available online and through publications to empower members of the public.

(ii) Municipalities.

(b) The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

 

Reply:

(1)(a),(b) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development cannot respond to the question as this matter does not fall within the scope of its defined mandate and key functions.

(2),(3)(a),(b),(4) Falls away.

Reply:

(1)(a),(b) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development cannot respond to the question as this matter does not fall within the scope of its defined mandate and key functions.

(2),(3),(4) Falls away.

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has two interventions that directly support production at a subsistence or household level, i.e. Ilima/Letsema and the Presidential Economic Stimulus (PES).

• Ilima/Letsema programme is aimed at supporting rural communities and vulnerable households to produce their own food and rehabilitate irrigation schemes. Since its inception in 2008, the Ilima/Letsema programme has supported 1 572 952 (one million five hundred and seventy two thousand nine hundred and fifty two) beneficiaries to produce their own food. The support includes starter packs for household, schools and community gardens, mechanization support as well as production inputs.

a) KwaZulu-Natal: 2022/23 financial year: the programme has supported 4 560 beneficiaries with production inputs; 1 104 were vegetable producers, 815 maize producers, 1 300 dry beans producers, 256 goat producers and 650 red meat producers.

b) Limpopo: 2022/23 financial year: 7 960 subsistence farmers were supported through Ilima/Letsema for production of vegetables and subtropical fruits.

c) Eastern Cape: 2022/23 financial year: 22 645 households have been supported for maize and vegetable production.

• In terms of the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) support, the Department has exposed over 146 000 subsistence producers to technology as part of supporting these producers with agricultural inputs. All these applicants submitted support applications via a paperless platform and used the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), for the first time in the country.
• The Department continues to supply agricultural inputs to subsistence producers through the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES). Currently a total of 36 895 subsistence producers are receiving support with crops and livestock inputs.
• The lead commodities are fruits and vegetables at 42% support, 33.4 % livestock, 17% poultry and 6.9% grains. It is encouraging to observe that subsistence producers, even in the most remote and rural areas of the country, continue to utilise technology in all the PES processes.

Reply:

a) No funds were spent by the Department. The gala dinner event was funded entirely by sponsor contributions.

b) (i),(ii) Falls away.

Reply:

Since 2004, following the closure of the Agriculture Credit Board (ACB), the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development developed the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) to ensure that the class of post-1994 farmers received the support that will enable their growth within the agricultural sector, since structures that existed pre-1994 had been privatised and the support that was available for small scale farmers were not within reach by these new class of farmers and beneficiaries of land reform. The CASP became a platform through which farmers, particularly previously disadvantaged farmers, could get access to the following:

• training and capacity building;
• production inputs;
• on-and-off- farm infrastructure support;
• mentorship and business development;
• market access support; and
• extension support and advisory services.

For the CASP pillar on training and mentorship, a total of 79005 small holder farmers were trained in various skills programmes across the nine provinces. An additional 3 275 farmers were provided with mentorship.

A number of further support programmes were later introduced to support rural farmers and communities to harness opportunities and grow within the agricultural sector, including the following:

• Ilima/Letsema programme aimed at supporting rural communities and vulnerable households to produce their own food and rehabilitate irrigation schemes.
• Land Care programme which is aimed at protecting the land, minimizing degradation and teaching communities to care for the land.
• Recapitalization and Development Programme – which aimed at accelerating productive land reform farms by stimulating production and maintaining the infrastructure on these farms.
• Land Development Support aimed at commercialising land reform farms.
• Presidential Employment Stimulus support: The Department has exposed over 146 000 subsistence producers to technology as part of supporting these producers with agricultural inputs. All these applicants submitted support applications via a paperless platform and used the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), for the first time in the country.

The Department continues to supply agricultural inputs to Subsistence Producers through the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES). Currently a total of 36 895 subsistence producers are receiving input support in respect of crops and livestock. The lead commodities are fruits and vegetables at 42% support; 33.4% livestock, 17% poultry and 6.9% grains. It is encouraging to observe that subsistence producers, even in the most remote and rural areas of the country, continue to utilise technology in these PES processes.

Reply:

a) It must be noted that an error was committed at the time of the publication of the amended gazette Notice No. 221 of 2014 in the Government Gazette No.37443 dated 20 March 2014.

The purpose of publishing property in terms of section 11(7) of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, Act 22 of 1992, as amended, is to notify all the interested and affected parties of the land Restitution claim and should not include the Restitution award.

The error on the subject line of the Gazette notice in that the claim will be settled through financial compensation will be corrected through another Government Gazette.

b) (i). No payment has been processed.

(ii). Falls away.

 

END

Reply:

(1) (i) No, The claim is projected for settlement in the 3rd quarter of the current financial year as per the reply to question 1195 submitted on 4 May 2023. The Settlement memorandum has been compiled and is currently undergoing the internal processes for consideration by the delegated authority.

(2) Yes, the offer was accepted by the claimants and the settlement agreement was signed with the addition verification lists.

(a),(b)(i),(ii) Falls away.

END

Reply:

1. (a), Refer to Annexure A for amount allocated to Farmer Production Support Unit (FPSUs) and AgriHubs.

(b) The Agri-Hubs has three components, i.e. Farmer Production Support Unit, Agri-Hub and Rural Market Centres. The Department has thus far constructed 51 FPSUs and 10 Agri-Hubs

2. (a) 51 FPSUs and 10 Agri-Hubs

(b) Refer to Annexure B

(c) (i) and (ii) refer to Annexure B

Reply:

(1)(a) The Chloe ‘LandCare’ Project was not funded from the LandCare Conditional Grant since its inception. On investigation we found out that the project was conceived from the umbrella principles of LandCare to pursue the LandCare ethos; it is for this reason the project was called Chloe LandCare.

The Chloe ‘LandCare’ Project sought to improve the grazing conditions of the area and to establish a livestock association. Workers were hired to erect the fence and to clear bush encroachment and sisal to improve the area under grazing.

Our further investigations revealed that this Project was funded from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)’s Integrated Incentive Grant and reported to Department of Public Works and Infrastructure as a National Transferring Officer for the grant.

(b) (i),(ii),(c)(i),(ii) List of 2021/22 and 2022/23 land care projects are attached. Please refer to Annexure A.

(2) The Limpopo Department of Agriculture undertook a rigorous economic assessment and research by a specialist who concluded that the Sisal projects should be closed since they were not economically viable.

Reply:

a) The Animal Health Act, 2002 is a complete departure from the Animal Diseases Act 1984 and requires a complete overhaul of the entire animal health regulatory service. The country, industry and markets must be thoroughly planned and prepared as any hasty overhaul will have implications for South Africa’s trading partners. We are in the process of ascertaining and analysing what would be in the best interest for South Africa i.e. whether to strengthen weaknesses identified in the Act that is currently in force (Act No. 35 of 1984) or repeal and replace it with the un-promulgated Act (Act No. 7 of 2002). The Department aims to conclude this exercise before the end of the current calendar year and will approach Parliament for guidance once all factors have been assessed.

b) There are no records that point to any one official who could have decided not to have the Act promulgated. The Department is currently undertaking an analysis as to whether to strengthen the current Act No. 35 of 1984 or proceed with the necessary steps to promulgate Act No. 7 of 2002.

Reply:

a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) took a decision to consolidate all offices into a single building to improve access to services and service delivery.

b) September 2022.

c) 89% of deeds made available within 7 days from lodgement to registration against a target of 95%; and

99% of deeds are made available within 10 days from registration to delivery against a target of 95%.

d) Please refer to Annexure A for the Deeds Office project plan and communication to clients and the public.

e) (i) The Deeds Office did not fail to provide registry services during the relocation; the deeds office provided limited services i.e. only lodgement of deeds was suspended, and registration services proceeded as normal.

(ii) There is no need for a catch-up plan as the Deeds office was proactive and obtained approval for overtime before moving the office to ensure sustained productivity.

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) as the custodian of agriculture, gears its efforts to ensure the attainment of sustainable food security in the country. Rising food prices is regarded by DALRRD as one of the major drivers for food access challenges in the country. As such, tracking the trends of food prices, deriving insights for the prevailing trends that drive food and commodity price margins is critical for the Department towards identifying actions when food security is threatened. Vigilance is ensured through assessments that are continuously conducted by the Food Price Monitoring Committee at the National Agriculture Marketing Council (NAMC). According to the NAMC’s monthly food price monitor, the nominal cost of the 28-item urban food basket increased by 10,1% in May 2023 compared to May 2022, costing R1 182,76 versus R1 073,86 in 2023. During this period, vegetables contributed the most to the observed food inflation followed by dairy and eggs. Food inflation has a particular negative impact on the poor who spend a greater proportion of their income on food, even when they consume the cheapest options.

(a),(i),(ii),(ii) The South African producers / farmers at various scales of production have generally been affected by the high agricultural production inputs costs. These include the price trends for domestic fertilizers that were experienced building up to the summer crops production season in 2022. Fertilizer prices increased drastically and fluctuated throughout the summer crops production season due to the global markets price volatility in response to lower global supply. Energy insecurity further exacerbates the situation of high inputs costs. This eventually translates to lower profit margins from farm gate prices for the producers, especially for those that are at the small scale, yet it also translates to higher prices paid by consumers from retailers. However, on the positive note for consumers, including small scale producers as consumers of other food items that they do not produce; the RSA food inflation is anticipated to reduce in the coming months due to the new good local grain stocks being harvested.

(b) Interventions to insulate poor households from hunger and chronic poverty: DALRRD remains committed to supporting agricultural producers with several programmes that are implemented as a deliberate effort to cushion households against hunger and food insecurity in the country. The overall objective of these programmes is to expand domestic food production through strengthening subsistence (vulnerable and household producers), smallholder and medium commercial producers to ensure basic food availability and livelihoods resilience at household level as well as to retain self-employment in agriculture sector.

In addition to the annual support that is provided by DALRRD through the Comprehensive Producer Support Programme (CASP) and Ilima Letsema, DALRRD is currently supporting subsistence producers through the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES). The support is rendered through provision of agricultural production inputs or vouchers for commodities such as fruits & vegetables, grains, poultry, small and large stock. The support targets the women, youth, child-headed households, people living with disabilities and Military Veterans. The provision of inputs to this category of producers has cushioned several producers against the high inputs prices and has strengthened the household’s livelihoods and resilience against shocks and hazards.

Reply:

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:

1. Yes, the Communal Land Bill and the Communal Land Tenure Policy are being developed for public comment and they seek to provide for the transfer of communal land held in trust by the State, to communities and community members occupying such communal land; as well as to provide for the award of comparable redress; registration of communal land; land rights inquiries; the democratic administration of communal land; the establishment of communal land boards; dispute resolution mechanisms; and to amend and repeal certain laws.

1. Yes, the process to design a fit-for-purpose structure for the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is in progress and the capacity constraints analysis was completed. The Land Tenure Unit has completed a proposed new structure to accommodate these functions and recommend a separate Directorate at national and provincial levels for communal tenure and the creation of District sub-directorates for communal tenure to accommodate this order. Currently, the existing capacity within DALRRD handles all matters related to communal land, working with Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB) secretariat. The new Board has also been appointed and DALRRD has seconded a well-qualified official to act as the Chief Financial Officer for the ITB.

Reply:

Yes, due to the issuing of Permission to Occupy (PTOs) in KwaZulu-Natal being retained by the former Minister of Land Affairs, in accordance with the KwaZulu-Natal Land Affairs Act, 1992 (Act No. 11 of 1992), the former Minister delegated the function to the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal in 1998 and the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has since withdrawn the delegations.

The Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB) technically took over the function from the KwaZulu-Natal Government and stopped issuing PTOs in 2007; however, the litigation on this matter is not completed, and the application (appeal) by Ingonyama Trust is yet to be heard by the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Reply:

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:

(1) The Land Bank is under the administration of National Treasury and any recapitalization of the Land Bank is the responsibility of National Treasury. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) had no plans to provide R3,9 billion to the Land Bank in the 2019-22 financial years.

(a),(b),(i)-(iii) Falls away . However, it should be noted that in 2020, the Land Bank experienced liquidity challenges and DALRRD has remained supportive of the Bank’s efforts to resume lending activities whilst the process to finalise the debt restructure solution with the Bank’s lenders is still in process. Among the programmes that the DALRRD is implementing is the Blended Finance Scheme, which is a collaboration between the DALRRD and financing institutions where DALRRD contributes the grant and the financing institution approves the loan.

(2) The DALRRD has signed a ten-year agreement with Land Bank and for the period 2022/23 – 2024/25, DALRRD and the Land Bank have collectively committed R1,95 billion of blended funds to support smallholder, medium and larger commercial black producers. The blended finance scheme was launched in October 2022 and statistics below are from inception to date and for the 2023/2024 financial year.

Inception to date

November 2022 to date
Total Client Approvals	Total Approvals (Loan + Grant)	Total Disbursements (Loan + Grant)	Total Loan Commitments	Total Grant (Blending + Insurance)
47	R352 113 806	R31 648 890	R165 279 924	R186 833 882

2024 Financial Year

April 2023 to date
Total Client Approvals	Total Approvals (Loan + Grant)	Total Disbursements	Total Loan Commitments	Total Grant (Blending + Insurance)
17	R96 686 340	R24 751 528	R43 571 030	R53 115 310

(3)(a),(b) The performance measures in place include the following:

• 50% Female, 40% youth and 6% people with disabilities supported i.e. owners of enterprises supported;
• jobs created;
• hectares supported or capacity of production supported; and
• reach per province.

(4) (a) The programme is demand driven and the caps are already set per category of farmer; the following estimations are made:

• If all beneficiaries are smallholder producers with a grant cap of R15 million per transaction, the Land Bank can support a minimum of 22 transactions per annum. However, because the programme is demand driven, at the end of 2022/23, the Land Bank recorded a total of 30 producers supported.
• If all beneficiaries supported are medium scale producers with a grant cap of R30 million per transaction, the Land Bank can support a minimum of 11 transactions per annum. However, because the programme is demand driven, at the end of 2022/23 Land Bank recorded a total of 30 producers supported.
• If all beneficiaries supported are large scale commercial farmers, with a grant cap of R40 million or R50 million, depending if the support is an acquisition or production expansion, the Land Bank can support a total of 9 transactions. However, because the programme is demand driven, at the end of 2022/23, the Land Bank recorded a total of 30 producers supported.

 

(b) The Minister of DALRRD has a performance agreement with the President. Progress on performance is submitted periodically not only on the Blended Finance Scheme but other programmes as well. No date is set to brief the President.

Reply:

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:

The Department of Cooperative Governance is mandated to address municipal related matters including Local Economic Development.

1. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) works closely with municipalities in the construction of Agri-Parks including Farmer Production Support Units, Agri Hubs and rural access roads.

1. DALRRD has partnered with the African Development Bank through the Middle-Income Country Technical Assistance Fund (MIC TAF) Grant of $400,000.00 for appointment of a transactional advisor to assist in enhancing and upscaling the Agri-Parks program to a sustainable infrastructure development system (SIDS) methodology. This approach will facilitate public-private sector partnerships (PPPs) and value proposition for sustainable and bankable Agri-Parks supporting Agribusiness in line with the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan. The two pilot projects identified for the partnership are: Tshiame Agri-Park in the Free State Province and Springbokpan Agri-Park in the Northwest Province as gazetted as Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPS) in South Africa.

Reply:

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:

No. With reference to the reply to question 706 on 5 April 2023 regarding production targets of vaccines that were out of stock, not all specified targets were met.

1. Reasons where the specified targets were not met are detailed below:

VACCINES IN STOCK	AVAILABILITY Y/N	REASONS FOR NOT MEETING TARGET
African Horse Sickness (AHS)	Yes	The product took longer than expected to pack because it is a 12-dose pack size.
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)	Yes	The process of packing AHS vaccines impacted on finalising packaging of the LSD vaccine. Product is now available.
Pulpy Kidney Alum	Yes	Packing commenced in the first week of May 2023 due to delays in packing AHS vaccines.
Brucella S19	No	The delay was due to the long list of key products which were in line to be freeze-dried and this affected its production schedule.
Brucella Rev 1	No	The delay was due to the long list of key products such as AHS and Bluetongue Viral Vaccine (BTV) which were in line to be freeze-dried this caused rescheduling of production plans.
Rift Valley Fever Live	Yes	Packing for this product was delayed due to the long lead time to pack AHS. Product was available for distribution in the week of 19 June 2023.
Botulism	Yes	Quality control test took longer than expected, there was a need to confirm its safety and efficacy. Product was available in the week of 19 June 2023.

1. The revised target dates of the various vaccines are detailed below:

VACCINE	REVISED TARGET DATE FOR RELEASE	REASONS FOR DELAY
Bluetongue	Product was released in late April 2023. Another batch will be released in the first week of July 2023.	Demand was more than supply.
African Horse Sickness	Product is released weekly.	Demand was more than supply.
Lumpy Skin Disease	Expected delivery date end of June 2023.	Currently packing AHS.
Pulpy Kidney Alum	Available.	Awaiting Quality Control (QC) results.
Brucella S19	Product expected delivery date is end of July 2023.	Long list of products awaiting freeze-drying.
Brucella Rev 1	Product expected delivery date is end of July 2023.	Long list of products awaiting freeze-drying.
Rift Valley Fever Live	Available	No delay; currently packed.
Botulism	Product was available in the week of 19 June 2023.	There was a delay in QC results.

Reply:

a) A total of 83 farms were planned under the Land Development Support programme for the 2022-23 financial year. All 83 farms were finalised, and they are currently under implementation. Finalised in this context involves farm assessment to determine needs including farmer skills assessment, business plan development with the farmer assisted by commodity organisation, budget approval, contracting and opening a grant holding account for implementation. Based on the approved commodity and seasonality associated with it, implementation is spread out in line with milestones as outlined in the approved business plan.

b) (i) A total of 66 farms are planned for the 2023-24 financial year. These farms are being subjected to the various committees for endorsement and subsequent approval and implementation by respective provinces.

(ii) and (iii) Refer to the table below:

Province	District Municipality	Project Name	Property description	Budget	Commodity
Eastern Cape	Amathole	Bellrock	Farm No.1826,Remaining Extent of Farm No.1827 and PTN 1 of Farm No.1850	R6 125 600	Livestock
Eastern Cape	Amathole	Eureka	Portion 3&4 of Farm Leuwis Drift No.1 and Remainder of elands Kop No.2	R6 125 600	Livestock
Eastern Cape	Sarah Baartman	Farm 318	Ptn 0 Of Farm No.326 GRAAFF REINET RD	R3 739 840	Livestock
Eastern Cape	Sarah Baartman	Irene farm	Irene farm	R3 739 840	Livestock
Eastern Cape	Sarah Baartman	Radiesvley farm	Radiesvley farm	R6 125 600	Livestock
Eastern Cape	Amathole	Sixhenxe Farming Coop	Portion 4 Of Farm 1048	R7 737 600	Subtropical
Eastern Cape	Chris Hani	Soetfontein Farm	Remaining Extent Of Portion 0 Of Farm Plaatkraal No.261 and other portions.	R3 739 840	Livestock
Eastern Cape	Chris Hani	Ulin Farm	Portion 0 Of Farm Ulin No.845 and other portions.	R6 125 600	Livestock
Eastern Cape	Sarah Baartman	Waterford Group 1	Waterford Group 1	R3 739 840	Livestock
Free State	Fezile Dabi	Concordia farm	Rietfontein No. 2457/1; Verdien No. 2456/1	R6 125 600	Livestock
Free State	Thabo Mofutsanyane	De Spruit	De Spruit No. 1071	R 7 415 200	Field Crops
Free State	Mangaung	Schmidtsdrift	Schmidtdrift No. 1972	R 7 415 200	Field Crops
Free State	Thabo Mofutsanyane	Schurvekop	Schurvekop No. 187 (LU 3)	R 7 415 200	Field Crops
Free State	Mangaung	Tussenrevier	Tussenrevier No. 1963	R 7 415 200	Field Crops
Free State	Fezile Dabi	Weltevrede Noord	Weltevrede Noord No. 584/1	R11 284 000	Poultry
Gauteng	North East Region	Aron Mbatha	Portion 12 (of 2) of farm Tweefontein No.491 JR	R11 284 000	Livestock
Gauteng	Westrand	Kesiiloe Hendrick Soai	Remaining Extent of Portion 22 and Portion 99 of the farm Brandvlei 261 IQ	R 6 125 600	Livestock
Gauteng	City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality	Kodumela Moepa Thutse Farming Projects (PTY) LTD	Ptn 119 of the farm Bultfontein 107 JR	R11 284 000	Livestock
Gauteng	Metsweding	Kwindla Farm	Portion 21 of farm Haartebeesfontein No.123 JR	R11 284 000	Livestock
Gauteng	Sedibeng	Mojaletema Primary Co-operative	R/E ptn 5 of Uitkyk no 327 and R/E of ptn 15(of ptn 4) of farm Bulfontein	R 3 739 840,00	Livestock
Gauteng	North East Region	Mpho Octavius. Selepe.	Portion 15 of farm Leeuwdraai No.211 JR	R11 284 000	Poultry
Gauteng	City of Tshwane	Stav Chicken	Ptn 14 of farm Fiarfield no. 236 JR	R11 284 000	Poultry
Kwazulu Natal	King Cetshwayo	Belmore	Portion 2 of farm Lot 68 Umfolozi no.13568.	R8 060 000	Sugarcane
Kwazulu Natal	uMgungundlovu	Birdwood Farm	Portion 503 of the farm Beaulieu Estate No. 1412 FT	R5 480 800	Horticulture
Kwazulu Natal	Zululand	Kroomdraai	Portion 1 of the Farm Kromdraai No.459, Portion 2 of the Farm Kromdraai No.459 and Remaining Extent of the Farm Kromdraai No 459.	R6 125 600	Livestock
Kwazulu Natal	Ilembe	Margaret	Ptn 1 of the farm no 16988	R8 060 000	Horticulture
Kwazulu Natal	Harry Gwala	Melville Park	Unit 2 of the reminder of Portion 1 of farm Bersheba, no 38 ES	R6 125 600	Livestock
Kwazulu Natal	uMgungundlovu	Runnymeade Farm	Portion 1 of the farm Runnymeade No. 15577 FS	R6 125 600	Livestock
Kwazulu Natal	Umzinyathi	Spitskop /Sibiya	Remainder of Portion 1 of the farm Spitskop No. 161 and Remainder of the farm Spitskop No. 161	R7 415 200	Field Crops
Kwazulu Natal	Umzinyathi	Stratherne	Stratherne No.4134, Meadowbank No.4130, Ongeluk No.8448, up and Down No.4962	R6 125 600	Livestock
Kwazulu Natal	King Cetshwayo	Tasma	Portion 2 of farm Lot 68 Umfolozi no.13568, Portion 2 (of 1) Lot 71 of farm Umfolozi no.13567 and other. Portions.	R7 737 600	Macademia
Kwazulu Natal	Ilembe	Tulele Fram	Portions 129, 200, 472 of Chaka’s Kraal No 865	R8 060 000	Horticulture
Limpopo	Capricorn	Dakalo Reginah Magwede	Ptn 1 & 8 of the farm Jakhalsfontein 119 MR	R6 125 600	Livestock
Limpopo	Mopani	Deerpark	Ptn 20 of the farm Deerpark 459 LT	R7 737 600	Subtropical
Limpopo	Waterberg	Doornlaagte	Ptn 1 of the farm Doornlaagte & Ptn 4 of the farm Platlaagte 614 KS	R6 125 600	Livestock
Limpopo	Capricon	Magwasha	Ptn 0 of the farm Liberton 298 MS	R6 125 600	Livestock
Limpopo	Capricon	Rhone farm	Ptn 2 of the farm Rhone 321 MR	R6 125 600	Livestock
Limpopo	Mopani	Sekgopo Community	Ptn 2 & R/E of Ptn 0 of the farm Roodedraai 378 LT	R6 125 600	Livestock
Limpopo	Waterberg	Sterkstroom	R/E of Ptn 6 of the farm Sterkstroom 105 KR	R6 125 600	Livestock
Limpopo	Waterberg	Temo Ya Tlhabane Holding	Ptn 1 of the farm Doornlaagte 619 KS	R6 125 600	Livestock
Mpumalanga	Ehlanzeni	Bellevue	Ptn of Farm Bellevue B 519 JT & Rem.Ext of Ptn 0 of Bellevue A2 520 JT	R7 415 200	Citrus
Mpumalanga	Nkangala	Elandspruit	Portion 39 (Of Ptn 2) Of Farm Elandspruit No.291 JS	R7 415 200	Grain
Mpumalanga	Gert Sibande	Haarlem	Rem Ext of Portion 3 of the farm Haarlem 39 IT	R7 415 200	Grain
Mpumalanga	Nkangala	Kalbasfontein	Kalbasfontein 284 JS Portion 22	R 7 415 200	Livestock
Mpumalanga	Ehlanzeni	Kliprievier (Elvis Meshack Dludlu)	Remaining extent of portion 1 of the farm Kliprievier 73 JT	R 6 125 600	Livestock
Mpumalanga	Nkangala	Klipspruit - JE Skhosana Farms & Logistics)	Portion 11(Portion of Portion 3) of the farm Klipspruit 199 IR:Remaining Extent of Portion 0 of the farm Stilte 223 IR	R7 415 200	Livestock
Mpumalanga	Nkangala	Klipspruit	Ptn 7 (Of Ptn 4) Of Farm Klipspruit No.199 IR	R11 928 800	Layers
Mpumalanga	Gert Sibande	Mooihoek	Rem Ext of Ptn 1 of the farm Mooihoek 168 HT	R6 125 600	Livestock
Mpumalanga	Gert Sibande	Rendal	Portion 2 (Nozika) of Riversdale 127 IT	R6 125 600	Livestock
Mpumalanga	Gert Sibande	Shepstone	Rem Ext of Shepstone 280 IT	R6 125 600	Livestock
Mpumalanga	Nkangala	Witklipbank	Portion 21 (Portion of Portion 4) of the farm Witklipbank 202.	R11 284 000	Broiler
North West	Ngaka Modiri Molema	Amantle Trading	Remainder of Portion 24, 25, 28,80,82, 91 and portions 44.	R 7 415 200	Field Crops
North West	Bojanala	Gosiame-Ramaila	Portion 799 of Hartebeesfontein (Gosiame-Ramaila)	R 6 125 600	Livestock
North West	Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati	Kildare Carlow	Portion 162 of Farm Remaining Extent van Block C 2nd Railway Grant Nr 1 JM	R 6 125 600	Livestock
North West	Dr Kenneth Kaunda	Makwene Enooh	Pnt 36 of the farm rietkuil 397 IP and Pnt 22 of the farm Wolverand 425 IP	R 6 125 600	Livestock
North West	Dr Kenneth Kaunda	Mamusa Farms (Pty) Ltd	Portion 8 of Rooipoort 202 IP & 11 of Wilfontein 201 IP	R6 125 600	Livestock
North West	Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati	Mogonedi Archibold	Portion 2 of the farm Alnwick 287 JM	R6 125 600	Livestock
North West	Bojanala	Raphulo	Portion 879 of Hartebeespoort C419 JQ ( Raphulo)	R 6 125 600	Livestock
Northern Cape	Pixley Ka Seme	Keilder	Portion 4 and 5 of Hedley Plains A No. 64, Portion 6 of the farm Doonies Pan No. 106.	R3 739 840	Livestock
Northern Cape	Namakwa	Klein vogelfontein	Portion 0 of the farm Klein Vogelsfontein No 920	R3 739 840	Livestock
Northern Cape	Pixley Ka Seme	Kranshoek	Farm kranshoek no 396.	R3 739 840	Livestock
Northern Cape	Frances Baard	Melkvlei	Farm no. 221 & R/E of portion 3 of Farm Longlands no. 231	R7 415 200	Livestock
Northern Cape	ZF Mgcawu	Vilander. No. 318	Remainder of Farm Vilander No.318	R3 739 840	Livestock
Western Cape	Eden	Forest Hall	Erf 562, Kurland in the Bitou Municipal area,	R5 480 800	Livestock
Western Cape	Cape Winelands	Mesco farms	Portions 2, 3, 4 and the remainder of Farm Ruytershove No.25, Stellenbosch	R8 704 800	Horticulture
Western Cape	Eden	Ruiterbosch	Portion 41 of the Farm Ruiterbos No 60, situated in the Mossel Bay Municipality	R3 739 840	Livestock

 

Reply:

1. There are no plans to establish a task force to address food shortages. According to the Crop Estimates Committee (as per publications reflected on https://www.dalrrd.gov.za / crop estimates), South Africa is not experiencing any food shortages. South Africa is able to meet food demand both through imports and local production.

Furthermore, the government has established a multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder institutional structure called the National Food and Nutrition Security Plan comprising of the core social cluster and economic cluster departments such as National Treasury and Small Business Development departments. The structure addresses food and the food system inclusive of the food value chain across the continuum from severly inadequate to self sufficiency. At its core the National Food and Nutrition Security Plan address the pillars on which the policy is based namely access, availability, utilisation and stability.

(2),(3),(4) Falls away.

5. The Department established a Sector Energy Crisis Task Team comprised of government, industry, research institutions and sector entities. The work of the Task Team, engaging with Eskom looked at immediate, short- and long-term contingency plans to protect the sector against the negative impact of load shedding. The interventions will cover the sector at large including all categories of farmers. The interventions are also being aligned to the pronouncements delivered by the Minister of Finance during his budget speech.

The proposed interventions are:

• Customers with dedicated supply infrastructure should apply for load curtailment.
• Customers supplied by the same feeder/ substation can group together and apply for load curtailment.
• Review the schedule (duration and or time) where possible, to accommodate the needs of the majority of customers (the criteria will be based on impact/number of commercial customers).
• Customers in municipal supply areas where switching is done by Eskom and where possible, to exempt/curtail, municipalities to be allowed to do own switching to accommodate customers.
• Reconfigure the network to allow possible isolation where possible.
• Install micro grids, PV’s and battery containers for critical loads especially during critical times such as harvesting, irrigation and refrigeration; this will require customers to identify the essential load.

• As announced during the DALRRD Budget Vote Speech, the Department is establishing the Agro-Energy Fund at the Land Bank. This is a blended finance instrument where the state will provide a grant on a sliding scale per producer category combined with a loan from the Land Bank. The focus of the Agro-Energy Fund is on energy intensive agricultural activities. These include irrigation, intensive agricultural production systems, and on-farm cold chain related activities. The blended thresholds and caps per category of producer are:

• a large-scale producer will receive 30% grant funding to be matched with a 70% loan portion, where the grant amount is capped at a maximum of R1.5 million;
• a medium-scale producer will receive a 50% grant to be matched with a 50% loan portion, where the grant is capped at a maximum of R1 million; and
• a smallholder producer will be supported by a grant portion of 70% to be matched with a 30% loan. For this category, the maximum grant funding is capped at the maximum of R500 000.

Table 1: Grant Limits

Farmer Categorization	Large Scale Farmer	Medium Scale Farmer	Small Scale Farmer
Turnover	>R10m <R50m	>R1m-R10m	>R50k -R1m
% Grant of the Cost (valid Quotation)	30%	50%	70%
Land Bank Loan Component	70%	50%	30%
Grant Caps	R1.5m	R1m	R500 000

• Grant caps will be according to Table 1 above; however, the cost of the infrastructure needed by the farmer will be informed by the farmer’s farm energy requirements assessment based on the kilowatts. The pre-assessment by a competent expert registered with the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) will be key so that the correct fit for purpose system is installed.

• The Blended Agro-Energy facility will be used by qualifying producers for the purchase of Capital Equipment and Infrastructure (CAPEX) for alternative energy sources directly linked to energy-intensive farming operations.

Table 2: Common high energy consuming activities at farm level

Dairy Farming	Piggery	Poultry	Field Cropping	Horticulture including (Greenhouse)
Milk cooling machinery	Heating	Lighting	Cold Storage	Cold Storage
Lighting	Ventilation	Feeding machinery	Tilling	Irrigation
Milking machinery	Lighting	Ventilation	Irrigation	Ventilation
Feeding machinery	Feeding machinery	Heating		Lighting

NB: the list is not exhaustive

Reply:

1. Yes, Reference KRN6/2/2/E/42/0/0/25 was lodged by Mr. Mswelengi Bhekumuzi Bhengu on behalf of the Meyershoek Community on 23 December 1998, for the Remainder of Portion 0 of the farm Meyers Hoek No.847 in extent of 1513, 5256 hectares. The lodger and a few members alleged that they were not part of the settlement as they did not want alternative land.

Reference KRN6/2/2/E/42/0/0/202 was settled on 9 January 2000 in full and final settlement of a court order in respect of the following properties:

• farm Meyershoek No. 847;
• farm Onrust No. 848;
• Rem of Nels Rust; and
• Portion 8 of Nooitgedacht No. 903 collective extent of 3262.9193 ha.

2. The additional members that were not part of the original claim (KRN6/2/2/E/42/0/0/202) were added on the name verification list in the Section 42D memorandum for KRN6/2/2/E/42/0/0/25, after the homestead identification was analyzed against the original list.

3. (a) The outcome will be based on the further research recommendations.

(b) The delay was due to obtaining a legal opinion on the court order.

(c) Further research is needed as there is a position taken through the Court Order to see if the matter can be taken further.

(d) The Legal Unit of the Department will present the final further research report and the legal opinion on the matter based on the Court Order.

Reply:

(a) The following zones are in place for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) control purposes. These zones are not unique to South Africa but is an accepted international way to deal with zones of different FMD risk in a country.

• The FMD Infected Zone, which is the Kruger National Park and adjacent game reserves. This zone is permanently FMD infected, due to the presence of FMD infected buffalo which are permanent carriers of the disease;
• the FMD Protection Zone is the zone adjacent to the Kruger National Park, with mainly communal cattle and small stock farming areas. It is assumed that these are the communities that are referred to in the question above, although the term “red zone” is not used officially or internationally; and
• the FMD Free Zone is the rest of the country, although this status is currently suspended due to outbreaks that occurred between 2019 and 2022.

The high risk posed by the buffalo in the infected zone is the reason for the permanent protection zone in the adjacent communities. The control approach is multi-layered, to provide for prevention of outbreaks, early detection of outbreaks, and limiting the spread of outbreaks as much as possible. The layers include fencing around the Kruger National Park, routine vaccination of cattle populations in the protection zone adjacent to the fence, regular inspection of all cattle in the protection zone, and movement control for cloven hoofed animals and products out of the protection zone. If the above system of prevention works well, then no outbreaks are reported in the protection zone and the zone serves its purpose well. That is currently the status. Should an outbreak occur in the protection zone, the systems are in already in place to detect the disease quickly and prevent its further spread.

(b) If there are reports of FMD in a specific part of the protection zone, premises with cloven hoofed animals in that area will be placed under quarantine to prevent further spread of the disease. Animals in such areas cannot be moved or marketed until the quarantine has been lifted. Farmers in the protection zone, in areas without active FMD outbreaks, are unfortunately negatively affected by the permanent restrictions placed on the area. Provision is made for moving of unvaccinated animals out of the protection zone. These animals are subject to quarantine and testing prior to movement and government subsidises the payment of some of these tests for non-commercial movements. There is also a drive to promote market access for farmers within the protection zone and government is engaging with a number of stakeholders in this regard.

Work on supporting the development of a system to improve market access for producers in FMD high risk areas as part of efforts to reduce the risk of live cattle movements to markets in areas of low risk including the previously WOAH-recognized FMD free zone without vaccination has been proposed. This work involves the setting up of feedlots and quarantine camps to support this activity particularly for animals intended for slaughter.

Reply:

1. Yes. According to the National Disease Database, 13 406 disease outbreaks of controlled and notifiable diseases were reported and followed up by Provincial Veterinary Services in the ten-year period from January 2013 to December of 2022. A list of diseases and the number of outbreaks per province is attached as Annexure A.

2. The disease control measures relevant to the different controlled diseases are detailed in Table 2 of the Regulations to the Animal Diseases Act, No 35 of 1984, attached as Annexure B. These are the requirements for the control of the diseases as required by law. Since the epidemiology of each disease is different, the control measures are different for different diseases. Furthermore, different outbreaks of the same disease may be handled slightly differently, depending on the situation on the ground, the numbers of animals involved, the farming practices and the areas affected. It is not feasible to provide detailed information for each of the 13 406 outbreaks noted above.

Notifiable diseases such as Rift Valley Fever, Bluetongue and Lumpy Skin Disease, are not controlled by government and there are no prescribed control measures. However. outbreaks must be notified to the state veterinarian and awareness is done on ways to prevent further outbreaks.

Reply:

1. Over the medium to long term, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) seeks to improve its collaboration and coordination with industry organisations, through programme and project design. The Value Chain Round Tables (VCRT), which are currently being implemented, serve as platforms to forge greater collaboration and coordination between government and industry organisations, both nationally and provincially. Through the VCRT, the industry will be in a better position to identify the required infrastructure and services at local government level. These will be tabled to DALRRD by way of the District Development Model. The Integrated Rural Development Strategy addresses the challenges of rural and agricultural infrastructure such as roads, agro-processing facilities, etc.

2. Yes, the Department further aims to improve on delivery in terms of the Agriculture and Agro Processing Master Plan (AAMP) at district level, through a value chain approach, where value chain analysis will be conducted to identify the required services and infrastructure needs according to the AAMP value chain. The analysis will in turn determine required programmes and projects at the district level, and in this way contribute to the national targets for growth per value chain identified within the AAMP.

3. Implementation of VCRTs discussed above, and a value chain approach to programme and project design and selection will form the cornerstone of what DALRRD sees as the bridging strategy between the AAMP, and the challenges experienced at local government level, as identified in the Auditor-General’s report.

Reply:

a) R214 million was allocated by National Treasury (NT) in the 2011/2012 financial year. In 2019 NT undertook to allocate an additional R400 million over the 2019-2022 MTEF in support of the project. With the additional allocation, the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine production facility project has started, and the work is projected to be completed around October 2025.

With the design phase being completed, the final estimates will guide further investment(s) to complete the facility due to the significant time lapse from the date of commissioning of the project. In the interim, R55 million has been allocated to the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) for the procurement of equipment and infrastructure to assemble an interim production system that will be used to produce antigens at a 200-liter scale (sufficient to produce 200 000 doses per annum) whilst the factory is under construction. The interim measure is expected to be ready to produce the vaccine by the middle of 2024.

b) Erecting fences in areas where the fences will obstruct established patterns of livestock and people movements are generally ineffective, due to vandalism, theft, and the inability to legally control movements on roads crossing the fences. Animal Health is, therefore, moving away from relying on fences as a first-line effective disease control measure and rather making use of alternative measures such as the use of perennial rivers, mountain ranges and adjacent lower risk establishments like farms.

The use of fences to prevent the spread of disease can only be implemented effectively where the fences also serve a purpose to the local community. For example, the fences on the western and southern boundaries of the Kruger National Park serve a disease control purpose, by preventing FMD carrier buffalo from having contact with cattle in the adjacent communal areas. It also provides a barrier to prevent dangerous animals from the Kruger National Park from roaming into the villages and hence it has value to the local community. The fences on the Kruger National Park boundary are maintained by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and SANParks. There are also fences that are used for disease control purposes, specifically FMD in specific areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. The repair and maintenance of these fences is the responsibility of the respective provincial departments.

Reply:

(1)(a)(i),(ii) Table 1 below reflects the vacancy rate of veterinary doctors in South Africa per province from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2022 and since 1 January 2023.

Table1: Approved and vacant posts for veterinary doctors

Year	STATUS	NATIONAL	GP	NW	LP	MP	KZN	FS	EC	WC	NC	TOTAL
2019	APPROVED	38	36	39	39	36	27	15	48	30	16	324
	VACANT	13	4	10	10	17	17	3	25	4	10	113
	RATE	34%	11.1%	26%	26%	47.22%	62.96%	20%	48%	13%	37.5%	35%
2020	APPROVED	38	36	39	39	36	27	15	48	30	16	324
	VACANT	13	4	10	10	15	16	5	26	5	10	114
	RATE	34%	11.1%	26%	26%	41.67%	59.25%	33%	46%	16%	37.5%	35%
2021	APPROVED	38	36	39	39	36	27	15	48	30	16	324
	VACANT	14	4	10	10	16	16	6	28	5	10	103
	RATE	37%	11.1%	26%	26%	44.44%	59,25%	40%	42%	16%	37.5%	32%
2022	APPROVED	38	36	39	39	36	29	15	48	30	16	326
	VACANT	14	4	10	10	19	16	6	38	6	11	134
	RATE	37%	11.1%	26%	26%	52.78	55,17%	40%	38%	20%	31.25%	41%
2023	APPROVED	38	36	39	39	36	29	15	48	30	16	287
	VACANT	13	4	10	10	20	18	6	31	6	11	129
	RATE	34%	11.1%	26%	26%	55.56%	62,06%	40%	35%	20%	31.25%	45%

(b) The Department advertised vacant posts of state veterinarians in line with the available budget. There has been a challenge with constant efflux of state veterinarians who are being recruited by the private sector. In addition, there are also challenges to get suitably qualified applicants.

(2) The number of registered veterinarians and veterinary nurses as per the South African Veterinary Council register of May 2023 is as follows:

- There were 3 506 registered veterinarians (excluding veterinary specialists) and 731 registered veterinary nurses as at 31 May 2023.

- As with all other agricultural and related professions, the Department doesn’t keep records of unemployed graduates as it is not the only employer and it would be impossible to maintain the records throughout the sector. Vacancies are however, advertised as soon as vacated. Recent adverts for veterinarians attracted very few applicants, suggesting that most are absorbed in the sector.

- Mpumalanga is the only province that has employed 18 veterinary nurses out of an establishment of 24 (75% filled).

(3) The following measures are in place for the Department to deal with unemployed veterinarians and veterinary nurses to provide animal health services where there is a high need:

- All bursary holders are subject to servicing the Department for a period equal to the number of years sponsored by the Department.

- Unemployed veterinary graduates are deployed in areas where they are needed the most in the provinces under the Compulsory Community Service Programme for veterinary graduates. This ensures the graduates are employed for a duration of one year. Once they complete their community service the graduates are registered as veterinarians by the South African Veterinary Council and can service their contract with the relevant departments/provinces.

- Vacant funded posts are advertised nationally and prioritise unemployed veterinarians and veterinary nurses. This has proven to be a challenge as there are very few applications. Most veterinarians and veterinary nurses are attracted to the private sector.

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has developed, consulted, and attained consensus on the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAMP). The ongoing alignment process has to date shown the intent by different role players within the different sectors to achieve the set goals and a clearer picture is emerging in terms of defining targets and participation by the black producers in the value chain.

The attached Table 1, with specific reference to meat and dairy value chain implementation, depicts progress made and the envisaged increase in participation will be from 30 to 50 percent and 7 to 10 percent respectively.

Livestock
	Tons - (2010/11)	Tons - (2018/19)	Expansion 2012-2019	NDP 2030 growth target	Commercial Employment	Black farmer share current (%)*	AAMP output added (tons)	AAMP 2030 impact Real GPV	AAMP 2030 impact jobs	AAMP 2030 livelihood created	Black farmer future share (%)
Beef	628 000	763 000	135 000	282 600	18 541	34,0%	134 357	R8 175 448 721	3200	39600	50%
Dairy	2 685 302	3 341 000	655 698	522 735	33 410	7,0%	183 645	R1 396 998 405	222	16160	10%

Reply:

a) Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) purchases Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine from Botswana at an average price of 1,201.73(Pula) per unit which is an average of R1563.42 in South African rands, excluding freight costs (@2,9% = R45,33), import duties (@29% = R453.33), inventory and handling costs (@3,69% = R60,44), onsite costs (@4,6% = R72,54) and transport and logistics (@32% = R501.20). The inbound-landed cost per unit, therefore, is approximately R2696,26. The unit price is volume dependent on and influenced by currency fluctuation. Price changes per order depending on these two variables.

b) OBP sells the FMD vaccine to SA Government at R3 022,21

All these depend on the total of the vaccine. OBP has not increased FMD vaccine price in the past two years.

Reply:

1. No, implementation of the money order was directed to Ingonyama Trust Board and not the department. ITB has decided to appeal the court’s decision and the application (appeal) by the Ingonyama Trust Board is still to be heard by the Supreme Court of Appeal.

2. Yes, the Minister files a report to the court every 3 months on the steps taken to comply with the two court orders.

Reply:

a) The total number of state-owned farms acquired for redistribution is 3 708 farms for which the Department has lease agreements with the tenant farmers occupying them.

b) 30 years.

Reply:

The available data is of communal land comprising traditional council areas, as derived from proclamations defining the areas of jurisdiction of traditional councils. Such traditional council areas are situated on the underlying surveyed farms and farm portions. Traditional council areas have not been surveyed for purposes of regularisation of communal land rights.

(a) (i) 96 percent of communal land is currently not surveyed in South Africa.

(b) (i) 13 420 197.89 hectares of communal land is currently not surveyed in South Africa.

(a)(ii),(b)(ii) Please refer to the table below.

Provinces	(a)(ii) Percentage	(b)(ii) Hectarage
Eastern Cape	90.1	3 533 227.74
Free State	97.1	137 955.91
Gauteng	93.2	7 466.36
KwaZulu Natal	99.5	3 353 136.65
Limpopo	98.8	2 839 458.40
Mpumalanga	97.3	655 812.14
North West	99.7	1 983 864.31
Northern Cape	99.9	909 276.38
Western Cape	0	0

Reply:

1. African Swine Fever (ASF) historically only occurred in the northern parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and North West, due to infected ticks carried by warthog that came into contact with domestic pigs. The epidemiology of the disease has changed in the past few years. Outbreaks started to occur in domestic pigs without proof of direct contact with warthog and the disease spread to areas where it was never detected previously. ASF has now been detected in domestic pigs in all provinces.

2. The total number of outbreaks is 110.

• Eastern Cape –25
• Free State–17
• Gauteng–13
• Mpumalanga–12
• North West –6
• Western Cape –35
• KwaZulu-Natal – 2

3. Yes.

(a) All properties where ASF is detected are placed under quarantine, with movement control and biosecurity measures put in place. ASF is a controlled and notifiable disease and pig owners are required by law to report any suspicion of ASF.

All suspicions of ASF (including all reported significant increases in pig mortalities) will be investigated by the local state veterinarian and appropriate samples taken for confirmation. While the results of tests are awaited, pre-emptive quarantine will be placed on affected holdings and the focus of this quarantine placement will be to prohibit movement off the farm.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, quarantine will be confirmed. In addition to placing the affected property under quarantine, the risks for the area must be considered by the local state veterinarian, as well as forward and backward tracing to determine properties possibly at risk and possible sources of infection.

Surveillance activities must be implemented at high-risk properties, by means of clinical inspection and sample collection in the event of any sick or dead pigs. For the prevention of further outbreaks and the spread of ASF, the selling of live pigs at auctions in affected areas may be suspended if deemed necessary to prevent the mixing and distribution of infected pigs.

Movement controls (where movements require certification) and movement restrictions (where movements are not allowed) may be implemented in specified areas, as determined to be required.

Awareness campaigns on biosecurity (safe buying, safekeeping, and safe feeding) and other disease risks will be undertaken jointly with other roleplayers. Awareness is always done in affected areas to advise pig owners on the minimum biosecurity standards that will prevent ASF introduction into their farms.

The various control protocols and specified guidelines assist with infection control and prevention. Recording, analyses and reporting of clinical trials and sample collections assist to determine and monitor the effectiveness of the control protocols.This may be followed by self-audit and protocol adjustment.

(b) Monitoring of all disease control measures is done by the provinces.

4. The Department, together with the South African Pork Producers Organization, constantly issues media statements advising pig owners on biosecurity measures to empower owners to prevent the introduction of the disease onto their properties. Since ASF causes high mortalities in pigs, the disease generally does not go unnoticed. It is not expected or perceived that there are deliberate attempts to underreport ASF, once the disease is diagnosed. However, some farmers have the attitude of selling or slaughtering animals quickly, if they perceive that there might be an infectious disease in their herds. This undesirable behaviour is not limited to pigs and ASF, but applies to all livestock and different diseases.

Reply:

No. The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development has not launched any investigation into the ITB Holding company since the holding company is not part of the Ingonyama Trust Board as per the KwaZulu Ingonyama Trust Amendment Act, No. 9 of 1997. However, the Ingonyama Trust Board, in its response to the matter raised at the Portfolio Committee briefing on 2 May, has committed to look into the alleged misappropriation and take appropriate action.