Questions and Replies
26 October 2023 - NW3179
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether her department has its own target for job growth within the agriculture sector; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development DALRRD) has signed a social compact, the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) in May 2022. In summary the AAMP is a sectoral growth strategy that sets out a series of immediate and medium-term actions needed to enable inclusive growth and sustainable job creation in the agriculture and rural economies. In partnership with business and labour, we believe that the AAMP interventions could potentially create 71 487 new jobs.
Through rural development initiatives a total of 964 jobs has been facilitated for the current financial year.
NUMBER OF JOBS FACILITATED IN THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES FOR 2023/ 2024 FY |
||||||
PROVINCES |
ANNUAL TARGET |
ACHIEVEMENTS |
||||
MALE |
FEMALE |
YOUTH |
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY |
TOTAL |
||
Eastern Cape |
50 |
48 |
8 |
22 |
0 |
56 |
Free State |
50 |
47 |
12 |
8 |
0 |
59 |
Gauteng |
50 |
38 |
9 |
26 |
0 |
47 |
KwaZulu Natal |
50 |
24 |
7 |
10 |
0 |
31 |
Limpopo |
50 |
78 |
55 |
48 |
0 |
133 |
Mpumalanga |
50 |
108 |
37 |
78 |
0 |
145 |
North West |
50 |
75 |
11 |
45 |
0 |
86 |
Northern Cape |
50 |
43 |
3 |
21 |
0 |
46 |
Western Cape |
50 |
41 |
15 |
24 |
0 |
56 |
Technology Research and Development (TRD) |
50 |
25 |
25 |
20 |
1 |
50 |
OVERALL TOTAL |
500 |
527 |
182 |
302 |
1 |
709 |
NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE LINKED TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH THE NARYSEC PROGRAMME FOR 2023/ 2024 FY |
||||||
PROVINCES |
ANNUAL TARGET |
ACHIEVEMENTS |
||||
MALE |
FEMALE |
YOUTH |
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY |
TOTAL |
||
NARYSEC |
485 |
36 |
110 |
146 |
23 |
146 |
OVERALL TOTAL |
485 |
36 |
110 |
146 |
23 |
146 |
NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE SUPPORTED WITH BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE NARYSEC PROGRAMME FOR 2023/ 2024 FY |
||||||
PROVINCES |
ANNUAL TARGET |
ACHIEVEMENTS |
||||
MALE |
FEMALE |
YOUTH |
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY |
TOTAL |
||
NARYSEC |
309 |
45 |
64 |
107 |
1 |
109 |
OVERALL TOTAL |
309 |
45 |
64 |
107 |
1 |
109 |
26 October 2023 - NW3173
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether her department has taken any steps to contribute towards the efforts to create employment; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how will the agriculture sector contribute to job growth and (b) what number of jobs were created in the sector since 1 January 2023?
Reply:
Yes.
a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is responsible for creating an environment that is conducive for businesses in the sector to thrive and grow. Growth in employment numbers is among others a factor of investments made in the sector, which include expansions of areas under cultivation/production, farming equipment, and machinery as well as access to markets. The conducive environment created by DALRRD for the sector to grow includes policy development and support provided through various programmes. Some programmes provide finance (the Blended Finance Scheme, AgriBEE Fund, etc.), farm access roads to ensure that the produce gets to markets, production inputs, machinery and other equipment. In recent months, the Department has been successful in the expansion of markets for agricultural produce to China (avocado) and Saudi Arabia (livestock).
The AAMP, is a social compact between the government and its social partners, including business. It sets out a series of immediate, medium-term and long-term actions needed to enable inclusive growth, sustainable jobs, and a transformed agricultural sector. The strategy adopts a “Commodity value chain approach” to attain growth, which will mostly come from currently underdeveloped areas, mostly in rural areas. In essence, the strategy points to attracting investments into the sector and looking at the expansion of production.
b) The general employment trends indicate that employment in the agriculture sector has hovered around 850 000 over the years and reflects seasonality associated with the sector. The phenomenon is depicted in Figure 1 below, released by STATS-SA.
Figure1: Agriculture Sector Employment numbers (STATSSA)
According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), the number of people employed in the agricultural sector increased by 0.8%, from 888 000 in the first quarter of 2023, to 894 000 people in the second quarter of 2023. However, on a year-to-year basis, the number of people employed in the agriculture sector increased from 874 000 in the second quarter of 2022, to 894 000 people in the same quarter of 2023, which represents an increase of 2.4%. The sector was among nine industries that have a positive contribution to job creation year on year.
26 October 2023 - NW3147
Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1)Given the historical significance of the community of Enon in the Eastern Cape (details furnished) and noting that after a multi-generational struggle for the 10 000 hectares of land, the specified land was finally approved for land reform and restitution (details furnished), (a) what are the reasons that the agreed-upon land total changed from 10 000 to 8 000 hectares and (b) who is currently in possession of the missing 2 000 hectares of land; (2) what community consultation has occurred in the handover process between the (a) community property association (CPA), (b) government departments and (c) community itself; (3) what level of involvement does her department have with the CPA in the community. (4) whether her department has been informed of the multitude of documentation and the various commitments made by former ministers ranging back to 2016, wherein they confirmed that 10 000 hectares of land would be handed over to the community; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) what guidelines and/or measures have been enforced in this land restitution case to ensure (a) equal opportunity and (b) access to development?
Reply:
1. (a) The extent of the TRANCRAA area was estimated at 10 000 hectares, but after
the finalization of the subdivision, the final remaining extent was 8 314.2843 hectares. During vesting the portions with State Domestic Functions such as schools and clinics needed to be excluded and transferred to the Eastern Cape Provincial Government. Government Gazette Notice (GP822/1994) was reframed to exclude Erf 385 to separate the portion of Provincial Government from the portion of National government.
(b) The 2 000 hectares of land is currently vested with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government.
2. (a),(b,(c) Community and stakeholder consultations were conducted regarding the handover with the Enon Bersheba TRANCRAA residents, CPA Executive Committee, Office of the Premier, Provincial Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR); Sunday’s River Valley Local Municipality, Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
3. DALRRD is in constant communication with the Witrivier CPA and is now in the process of assisting the CPA with the election of a new committee as per their constitution.
4. Yes, the land has since been transferred to the community through the Witrivier CPA as a land holding entity.
5. (a),(b) None, since this is not a land restitution case. However, the matter falls under the Transformation of Certain Rural Areas Act No. 94 of 1998 (TRANCRAA), and DALRRD is engaging with the CPA to finalize the process for the elective Annual General Meeting (AGM), training on governance and understanding of their Constitution.
26 October 2023 - NW2988
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What number of water use licences for each category of licence were awarded to farmers and/or farming entities for the purposes of (a) farming and (b) water storage and/or irrigation in each province in the past three financial years?
Reply:
a) The authority of approving and issuing water and irrigation rights lies with the Department of Water and Sanitation. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s role with regard to irrigation is to monitor compliance with laws governing irrigation and water use management, as well as provide technical support and advice.
b) The Department of Water and Sanitation is the custodian for information relating to water resources and is best placed to respond.
26 October 2023 - NW2876
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, she has found that the success of her department to bring to production 365 000 hectares of land in the former homelands is attributable to its effective implementation of the Spatial Land Use Management Act, Act 16 of 2013, to identify underutilised land in the former homelands; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the details of (a) all underutilised land in the former homelands identified through the Spatial Land Use Management Act, Act 16 of 2013 and (b) the 365 000 hectares that have been brought under production through the Spatial Land Use Management Act, Act 16 of 2013?
Reply:
The success of bringing any number of hectares into production cannot be attributed to effective implementation of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act No. 16 of 2013. In the Budget and Policy Speech on 9 May 2023, it was indicated that the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) working with the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) concluded a spatial analysis and did economic projections to identify the possible impact of bringing agricultural land in traditional areas into production.
(a),(b) Falls away
26 October 2023 - NW2865
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Since 1 January 2023, what forms of support have been provided for emerging black farmers in rural provinces of (a) North West, (b) KwaZulu-Natal and (c) Eastern Cape to cushion against drought and/or other natural disasters?
Reply:
(a) NORTH WEST
- AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS AND OTHER INFORMATION SHARING: The mandate of the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Disaster Risk Reduction Unit is to support all categories of farmers with awareness and information sharing to cushion farmers about impending droughts and/or disasters. Awareness campaigns are conducted at farmers days through presentations, radio slots and pamphlets. Since 1 April 2023, 72 awareness campaigns have been made to emerging farmers and rural communities.
- VELDFIRE RELIEF: Since December 2022 the Department implemented the relief scheme on veld fires of Kagisano Molopo in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mopati District. The table below details the assistance given to the farmers:
Commodity |
Quantity |
Amount® |
Beneficiaries (NR) |
FODDER |
16 125 BAGS |
R5 000 000 |
1 240 FARMERS |
PIPES |
12 KM |
R251 000 |
13 FARMERS |
FENCING |
140 KM |
R3 800 000 |
170 FARMERS |
SKID UNITS |
20 |
R472 000 |
2 FPA’s |
TRAINING |
3 DAYS |
R292 000 |
251 FARMERS |
PPE |
SHOES, OVERALLS, EYE PROTECTORS |
R309 000 |
|
- FLOOD RELIEF The Department further reprioritized R3 million to assist emerging and communal farmers of Deelpan village through a flood relief scheme. Below is a table detailing the assistance given to emerging and communal farmers.
Commodity |
Quantity |
Beneficiaries |
Allocation |
Bulls |
5 |
Community |
R339 250.00 |
Goats |
90 |
74 |
R714 150.00 |
Diesel |
56 000 Litres 11 300 Litres |
17 |
R1 500 000.00 R263 064.00 |
TOTAL EXPENDITURE |
R2 816 464.00 |
- FIREBREAKS: With the financial assistance from DALRRD, 1 200km of firebreaks are being implemented in the province. 75% have been completed in three districts and only Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District (RSM) is not completed but work is underway. 300 kilometres of fire belts/breaks are created per district. The farmers and community members are made aware of the fire breaks and are involved in calculating the kilometres that have been implemented. Below are fire breaks that are to be created in Dr RSM District.
GREATER TAUNG |
||
AREA |
KILOMETERS |
COORDINATES |
1. Khudutlou |
8 km |
27°66’ 65” S 25°04’ 48” E |
2. Kokomeng |
6 km |
27°62’96” S 25°04’48” E |
3. Morokweng |
8 km |
27°55’42” S 24°85’63” E |
4. Orange Groove |
10 km |
27°17’47” S 24°36’63” E |
5. Vaalbos hoek |
8 km |
27°49’45” S 24°27’88” E |
6. Rietfontein |
10 km |
27°49’45” 24°28’87” E |
7. Shaleng |
10 km |
27°55’25” S 24°27’07” E |
8. Morafe Ranch |
20 km |
27°46’98” S 24°28’47” E |
9. Mokgareng (Leshobo/Mase) |
10 km |
27°56’58” S 24°74’69”E |
KAGISANO MOLOPO |
||
1.Kgokgole |
10 km |
26°42’58’’S 26°55’31’’E |
2.Eskdale 3.Bullrand 4.Eckron 5.Pouval |
20 km |
26°46’36’’S 23°41’36’’E 26°46’40’’S 23°45’13’’E 26°48’22’’S 23°45’51’’E 26°40’46’’S 23°51’30’’E |
3.Vragas |
10km |
26°49’21’’S 23°57’23’’E |
4.Tseoge Morafe Ranch |
20km |
25°97’00’’S 23°49’66’’E |
5.Heartland |
10km |
25°50’26’’S 23°27’23’’E |
6.Maheng |
10 km |
25°59’37’’S 23°32’34’’E |
LEKWA-TEEMANE |
||
1.Kgotsofalang (Smitskraal CPA) |
20km |
27° 32’ 58’’ S 25° 40’ 46’’ E |
NALEDI |
||
1.Broedesput CPA |
40km |
26° 83’ 05’’ S 25 11’ 56 E |
MAMUSA |
||
1.Kleinbegin Farm |
4,28km |
27°30’01” S 25°09’27” E |
2. Jerusalem Farm |
8km |
27°27’35” S 25°17’42” E |
3.Klipkuil Farm |
4km |
27°15’ 52” S 25°01’12” E |
4.Johanessrust Farm |
10km |
27°13’32’’S 25°05’27” E |
5.Tshepang Farm |
10km |
27°23’02’4’’ 25°07’09” E |
6. Areitireleng Farm |
10km |
27°21’33” S 24°57’46” E |
7. Karabelo project |
10km |
27°21’33” S 24’50’30” E |
b) KWAZULU-NATAL
The Department has approved and is in the process of finalizing procurement for the following projects:
- Drilling of 19 boreholes powered by windmill including 3 x 5000 water tanks with two drinking troughs for livestock in uMkhanyakude District Municipality to the value of R15 000 000.00;
- Livestock Infrastructure Phase Four - Drilling of 9 boreholes powered with windmill including 3 x 5000 water tanks with two drinking troughs for livestock in uThukela District Municipality to the value of R6 500 000.00;
- Livestock Infrastructure Phase Four - Drilling of 12 boreholes powered with windmill including 3 x 5000 water tanks with two drinking troughs for livestock in King Cetshwayo, Harry Gwala, Zululand, and iLembe District Municipalities to the value of R10 000 000.00; and
- The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, supported Small Scale Growers (SSGs) in the sugar cane industry from six districts in KwaZulu-Natal for ratoon management support with inputs to the value of R99 651 240. The project benefited over 10 679 farmers with a total of 116 415 bags of fertilizer across eleven mill areas. The below table illustrates the summary of production input deliveries and the expenditure incurred;
SSG FERTILIZER PROJECT 2023: SUMMARY OF PRODUCTION INPUTS DELIVERABLES AND EXPENDITURE
MUNICIPAL DISTRICT |
BUSINESS PLAN |
RAND VALUES |
Bags @ |
|
|
Area |
Growers |
|
|
Umzimkulu |
1 436.65 |
235 |
5 496 575 |
7 183 |
Sezela |
3 166.59 |
1 661 |
13 119 224 |
15 833 |
UGU |
4 603.24 |
1 896 |
18 615 799 |
23 016 |
Umfolozi |
2 478.89 |
1 624 |
10 259 877 |
12 394 |
UMKHANYAKUDE |
2 478.89 |
1 624 |
10 259 877 |
12 394 |
Gledhow |
2 210.40 |
182 |
8 781 311 |
11 052 |
Darnall |
1 948.55 |
160 |
7 740 475 |
9 742 |
Maidstone |
1 476.30 |
343 |
5 775 455 |
7 382 |
ILEMBE |
5 635.25 |
685 |
22 297 224 |
28 176 |
Noodsberg |
849.60 |
714 |
3 279 031 |
4 248 |
Eston |
737.45 |
487 |
2 932 852 |
3 687 |
UMGUNGUNDLOVU |
1 587.05 |
1 201 |
6 213 883 |
7 935 |
Pongola RCL |
136.60 |
16 |
563 855 |
683 |
ZULULAND |
136.60 |
16 |
563 855 |
683 |
Amatikulu |
4 040.22 |
2 661 |
17 989 041 |
20 201 |
Felixton/Makhatini/Jozini |
4 801.75 |
2 596 |
21 334 663 |
24 009 |
KING CHETSHWAYO |
8 841.97 |
5 257 |
39 323 703 |
44 210 |
TOTALS |
23 283 |
10 679 |
97 274 342 |
116 415 |
(c) EASTERN CAPE
The following farms have benefited from the Drought Relief Project:
- Ndikhingomso (Kakostraal Portion A);
- Driefontein Farm; and
- Weltevrede / Rulani Farm.
These farms are based in the Sarah Baartman District. The veld fire mitigation project which will assist smallholder farmers that are vulnerable to veld fires is currently at supply chain level. This project will be implemented in the current financial year and will be rolled out in Amathole, Alfred Nzo and Chris Hani Districts.
26 October 2023 - NW2805
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What informed the decision and notice of the Registrar of the Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Seeds and Remedies Act, Act 36 of 1947, that 28 active ingredients and their formulations that meet the criteria of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and reproductive (CMR) toxicity categories 1A and 1B for the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of classification, will be banned in the Republic as from 1 June 2024; (2) what are the reasons that the Registrar's notice did not also extend to active ingredients in pesticides registered for use in the Republic, which are categorised as World Health Organisation Classification 1a and 1b; (3) whether the Registrar has commissioned any experts to advise him on which active ingredients registered for use in the Republic might meet the CMR categories 1A and 1B for the GHS of classification; if not, why not; if so, will she furnish Ms T Breedt with a (a) list of the specified experts and (b) copy of their terms of reference; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (4) (a) on which methodology did the Registrar rely to compile the list of 28 active ingredients earmarked for banning in the Republic, (b) who did the specified work and (c) what was the output of the process in terms of a report and/or findings; (5) (a) what else needs to occur before the list is finalised and (b) by what date does the Registrar envisage the publication of a finalised list?
Reply:
1. The decision by the Department is informed by the Pesticide Management Policy of South Africa, 2010. The Policy amongst others issues, requires measures to be taken to deal with pesticides that pose unmanageable risk, such as those with Endocrine Disrupting Properties, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), carcinogenic and immunotoxic potential, formulations classified by World Health Organization as Extremely Hazardous (Class 1a) and Highly Hazardous (Class 1b), as well as pesticides associated with frequent and severe poisoning incidents. The measures outlined in the Policy include restrictions, phase-out, and ban.
Based on the definition of Highly Hazardous Pesticides as per the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) published in 2016, it was decided that pesticides that meet the criteria of Carcinogenicity, Mutagenicity and Reproductive (CMR 1A or 1B) of Globally Harmonized System (GHS) should be banned as they cause disproportionate harm to human and animal health. CMR 1A or 1B are pesticides that are scientifically proven to induce or increase cancer, heritable genetic defects, and adverse effects in the progeny and/or an impairment of male or female reproductive functions or capacity.
2. Most of the pesticides that fall within the World Health Organization Classification 1a and 1b are fumigants. Although such pesticides are classified as extremely hazardous (1a) and highly hazardous (1b), the Department decided that rather than banning such pesticides, the appropriate measure would be to impose restrictions as currently, there are limited viable alternative pesticides. Restrictions as per the said Policy is one of the regulatory measures where sales and use of certain pesticides of concern are limited to trained professional applicators. Where pesticides are restricted, exposure to such products by the public and workers is limited.
3. The Fertilizer, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947) provides for the Minister to appoint Technical Advisors to advise the Registrar on technical matters. The Registrar together with Technical Advisors also relies on advice from other relevant government departments, international bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), World Health Organisation (WHO), and regulatory bodies from other countries (e.g. European Union).
(a) Apart from reliance on Technical Advisors appointed in terms of the said Act, no outside experts were commissioned to advise the Registrar on the determination of the active ingredients that meet the CMR 1A or 1B categories.
(b) The Department relies on the classification of pesticides based on the Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS) to determine the list. Using the criteria of Highly Hazardous Pesticides as defined by the FAO and WHO 2016, together with the European database the list of pesticides with CMR 1A or 1B properties were identified. It should be noted most countries rely on the European Pesticide and European Chemical Agency (ECHA) databases, as such, the identified list of pesticides is harmonised with other countries. Furthermore, as review of pesticides with CMR 1A or 1B is continuing at an international level, the Department will update the list as the information becomes available. The Department does not see the need to repeat the work that is already being done by a world recognized regulatory authority.
4. (a) To identify CMR substances, pesticide active ingredients and their formulations that meet the criteria of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and reproductive toxicity categories 1A and 1B of the GHS was used as references. To assess whether a pesticide is category 1A or 1B for CMR, DALRRD does not do its own classification, but rather relies on data sources from the European Pesticide database and European Chemical Agency (ECHA).
(b) The classification was done by the European Union Authority. Based on the GHS criteria, individual companies did their own initial classifications. Using the GHS criteria together with the European Union databases, the Registrar after verifying the information approves the classification and label where such was done correctly.
(c) The outputs are the approved Safety Data sheets and labels. There are no reports compiled.
5.(a) The list has been finalised.
(b) The list will be published by 31 October 2023 on the Department’s website. Once the list is published the Department would welcome comments for further consideration.
26 October 2023 - NW3192
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, following the development of the 2016-2026 South African Veterinary Strategy that was based on the evaluation by the World Organisation for Animal Health, which necessitated the development of a strategy to strengthen competencies for animal health, veterinary public health, veterinary laboratory diagnosis, the development and implementation of an identifiable animal and product traceability system and the strengthening of animal welfare, any progress was made in all five pillars of the specified strategy; if not, (a) why not and (b) what is she doing to bring about progress; if so, what are the relevant details of the progress made to date?
Reply:
Yes. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) implemented the Meat Inspection Scheme approved by the Minister on 29 November 2016 which provides for independent meat inspection. Independent meat inspection service providers were assigned by the Minister to provide meat inspection services at abattoirs across the country.
An animal welfare working group consisting of DALRRD, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) and at least one provincial coordinator from all provinces was developed. The working group serves to provide advice to the department on matters related to animal welfare.
DALRRD has developed a Livestock Identification, Recording and Traceability Policy and Business Plan with the support of the Technology Innovation Agency. Implementation of various components of the Business Plan is in progress. A contractual agreement with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) which is an Agency under the Department of Science and Innovation, was established in 2020. The agreement is for the CSIR Information and Cybersecurity Centre to technically support DALRRD in the development of a software application for the integration of Livestock Identification, Recording and Traceability in South Africa. Piloting of the software application Information System developed by CSIR is ongoing across the country with the support of the Livestock Industry and Provincial Departments responsible for Agriculture.
DALRRD is providing guidance to provinces through agreed upon guidelines published on the departmental website, normally referred to as Veterinary Procedural Notices (VPNs) on how to approach challenges, registrations and investigations to ensure a similar scientific approach which is harmonized.
DALRRD continues to improve on the staffing level by appointing on a yearly basis over a hundred newly qualified veterinarians who are placed particularly in needy areas to provide primary animal health care to assist in early detection of diseases in animals to reduce the impact of these diseases on food security.
(a),(b) Falls away.
26 October 2023 - NW3191
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
With reference to her reply to question 2173 on 26 June 2023, what are the reasons that since 2019 the total number of budgeted veterinary posts was reduced from 324 to 287; (2) whether she is considering requesting the Minister of Home Affairs to reconsider the decision to remove veterinary doctors from the critical scarce skills list due to the inability to fill vacant positions; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The total of veterinary posts budgeted for increased from 324 to 326 for the period in question. KwaZulu-Natal increased the posts by two during the period. The table below provides a corrected version. The vacancy rate is also adjusted accordingly to 40%.
Table1: Approved and vacant posts for veterinary doctors
Year |
STATUS |
NATIONAL |
GP |
NW |
LIMPOPO |
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 |
2. The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has already requested the Minister of Home Affairs to reconsider placing veterinary doctors back on the critical skills list. The Minister of Home Affairs published a notice on the 9th of October 2023 in which veterinary doctors are back on the critical list. A copy of the publication is attached as Annexure A.
19 October 2023 - NW3050
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
With reference to her reply to question 2174 on 30 June 2023, what are the full, relevant details on all farmers, since the launch of blended finance, who received the grant funding that leveraged loan funding from the banks with regard to (a) farming type, (b) recent visitation reports by agricultural extension officers and (c)(i) successes and (ii) challenges to date?
Reply:
(a)(b),(c)(i),(ii) Please refer to Annexure A.
19 October 2023 - NW3193
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the current status of the land claim for (a) Hansmoeskraal 202, (b) Syferfontein 203 and (c) Buffelsdrift 204, which was approved on 8 May 1998 and subsequently confirmed under claim number A769?
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.
---END---
19 October 2023 - NW3049
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the full, relevant details of (a) the handover of agricultural inputs that took place recently in KwaZulu-Natal, (b) the role being played by the SA Farmers Development Association in the programmes of her department’s, (c) the total cost of (i) agricultural inputs and/or farming equipment for items purchased for farmers and (ii) other expenses incurred and (d) how the selection criteria was applied to select the beneficiaries; (2) what are the reasons that she and/or her department used the office of a certain political organisation (name furnished) to advertise her visit for the handover ceremony; (3) what are the relevant details of the total expenses per item bought for farmers; (4) whether any political affiliations were considered of the farmers to whom the agricultural inputs and farming equipment were allocated; if not, what criteria were considered; if so, what (a) are the relevant details of the suppliers that her department procured the agricultural inputs from and (b) is the total cost thereof?
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.
19 October 2023 - NW3048
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What (a) are the full, relevant details of the title deed handover of Tubb’s Hill Farm in Letsitele, Tzaneen, to the Batlhabine ba Mogoboya community, (b) are the relevant details of the total cost of the farm, farm size, water, crops and infrastructure on the specified farm, (c)(i) farming activities are taking place and (ii) post settlement support is provided, (d) is the total number of beneficiaries and (e) are the relevant details of the (i) suppliers that her department procured the inputs from and (ii) total cost thereof?
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
19 October 2023 - NW2875
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, with reference to the recent Manifesto review of a certain political party (details furnished) in which it is mentioned that the State has settled more than 83 000 land claims, she and/or her department provided the specified party with the figures; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) informed the figures, (b) number of land claims were lodged by the December 1998-deadline and (c) number of land claims have been settled to date?
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.
-----END----
19 October 2023 - NW2693
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What steps is her department taking (a) with regard to the vicious breeds of dogs that are kept by people to ensure that the animals are kept adequately and (b) to assure the public that no more people will be attacked and killed by the vicious breeds of dogs?
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.
19 October 2023 - NW2460
Myburgh, Mr NG to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the total Rand value of agricultural produce exported from the Republic to the (a) United States of America, (b) European Union, (c) Russian Federation, (d) People’s Republic of China and (e) African continent in the 2022-23 financial year?
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.
13 October 2023 - NW2806
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2163 on 26 June 2023, she will indicate which specific (a) members of (i) her department, (ii) industry, (iii) research institutions and (iv) sector entities are involved in the Sector Energy Crisis Task Team and (b) criteria the farms and/or businesses in agriculture must meet to be taken into account for (i) reducing load shedding and/or load curtailment and (ii) grants from the Agro-Energy Fund for the construction of renewable energy infrastructure; (2) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
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) |
Clinton Heimann |
|
Nasele Mehlomakulu |
|
INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES |
|
Theo Boshoff |
|
Wandile Sihlobo |
|
Annelize Crosby |
|
Kulani Siweya |
|
Christo Van der Rheede |
|
M Matlou |
|
Dr S. Ntombela |
|
Ferdi Meyer |
|
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.
13 October 2023 - NW2833
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the relevant details of the emergency response plans and contingency measures that her department has implemented to assist farmers to mitigate the impact of fires on farmlands; (2) (a) by what means have the specified plans been communicated to the farming community and (b) what is the budget allocation for the implementation of the plans?
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.
13 October 2023 - NW2814
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) With reference to her reply to question 1509 on 11 May 2023, what (a) are the reasons for the inability of the surveillance measures in the livestock biosecurity to detect the outbreak of African horse sickness and report the carnage and (b) steps has she and/or her department taken to address the challenges of dying horses faced by horse farmers; (2) whether she intends to compensate those farmers who lost their horses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3229E
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.
12 October 2023 - NW2911
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(a) How has the Government assisted black-owned farms to reach successful yields of crops and other farm produce and (b) what impact has COVID-19 had on the ability of the specified farm owners to produce a sufficient yield to mitigate food and/or produce scarcity within the Republic?
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
12 October 2023 - NW2929
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
With reference to her reply to question 2451 on 30 August 2023, what are the relevant details of the economic returns and benefits the Republic has received from the Government’s substantial investment in agri-hubs to date?
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) |
|
Zanyokwe FPSU |
|
FREE STATE |
|
Thaba-Nchu Agri-Hub |
|
Springfontein Agri Hub |
|
Kroonstad FPSU |
|
Ondedaalsrus FPSU |
|
Ficksburg FPSU |
|
Makholokoeng FPSU |
|
Zastron FPSU |
|
GAUTENG |
|
Tarlton FPSU |
|
Carmel Estate FPSU |
|
Bekkersdal FPSU |
|
Eikenhof FPSU |
|
Sokhulumi FPSU |
|
KWAZULU-NATAL |
|
Hlathikhulu FPSU |
|
Makhathini FPSU (Oil Seed Storage) |
|
Noordsbereg FPSU |
|
Qwabe FPSU |
|
Jozini FPSU |
|
Felixton FPSU |
|
Fezela FPSU |
|
Matikulu FPSU |
|
Bernsdorp FPSU |
|
KwaShinga FPSU |
|
Mkhuze Rail Logistic Hub |
|
Nsuze FPSU |
|
Tugela Ferry FPSU |
|
Jiki Jela FPSU |
|
St Paul FPSU |
|
Clanso FPSU |
|
Amanzabomvu FPSU |
|
Hopewell FPSU |
|
Hlabisa FPSU |
|
Pomeroy FPSU |
|
Makhathini Cotton Ginnery |
|
LIMPOPO |
|
Witpoort FPSU |
|
Vleeschboom FPSU |
|
Masalal FPSU |
|
Sekhukhune Agri-hub |
|
MPUMALANGA |
|
Mkhuhlu Agri-hub |
|
Thulamahashe FPSU |
|
Huntington FPSU |
|
Mzinti FPSU |
|
Dundonald FPSU |
|
Sydbrandskraal FPSU |
|
Kameelrevier FPSU Hydroponics |
|
Malelane-Nkomati FPSU |
|
NORTH WEST
|
|
Makweleng FPSU |
|
Jericho FPSU |
|
Bedwang FPSU |
|
Taung FPSU |
|
Springbokpan Agri-hubs |
|
Makapanstad Agri-hub |
|
Vryburg Agri-hub |
|
Matlosana Agri-hub |
|
NORTHERN CAPE |
|
Heuningvlei FPSU |
|
Eksteenskuil FPSU |
|
WESTERN CAPE |
|
Haarlem FPSU |
Benefits and Future Plans:
|
Ebenhaeser FPSU |
* 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.
|
Saron FPSU |
• The proximity to production of main and support commodities.
|
Suurbraak FPSU |
|
29 September 2023 - NW2815
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1)Noting that at a recent presidential imbizo in Paarl, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural DevelopmentError! Bookmark not defined., Mr Mcebisi Skwatsha, claimed that farmers in the Western Cape are artificially inflating the prices of their farms once they learn that their farms have been targeted for land reform (details furnished), what (a) are the full, relevant details regarding the claims made by the Deputy Minister that farmers in the Western Cape artificially inflate the prices of their farms, (b) is the list of farms of which the prices were inflated and (c) are the relevant details regarding (i) the locations of the farms in the Western Cape and (ii)(aa) their market value according to her department and (bb) the total amount by which each farm was inflated; (2) whether she and/or her department has taken any steps to address the situation with the farmers; if not, what are the reasons that no steps were taken; if so, what steps were and/or will be taken? NW3230E
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.
28 September 2023 - NW2925
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, in light of the increasing frequency of fires on agricultural grasslands across the Republic, partly as a consequence of global warming, her department has undertaken any studies to assess the economic and environmental impact of the fires, specifically in relation to global warming; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
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.
28 September 2023 - NW2931
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What mechanisms has her department implemented to ensure that the funding from the Agro-Energy Fund that has been launched recently (a) reaches its intended beneficiaries and (b) is not susceptible to corruption?
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.
27 September 2023 - NW2989
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) What (a) total number of farms have been liquidated in each province in the past three years and (b) are the details of the liquidators that have been used in each case. (2) whether the liquidated farms are distributed to upcoming farmers; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (3) whether the specified upcoming farmers receive government funding to support them; if not, why not; if so, what total amount is normally allocated to assist upcoming farmers. (4) whether this funding is channelled via Land Bank; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW4053E
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.
27 September 2023 - NW2762
Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(a) What total amount did (i) her department and (ii) each entity reporting to her pay for printed copies of the integrated annual reports in the (aa) 2020-21, (bb) 2021-22 and (cc) 2022-23 financial years, (b) who were the suppliers in each case and (c) what total number of copies of the report were printed (i) in each case and (ii) in each specified financial year?
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 |
|
|||||||||
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 |
27 September 2023 - NW2694
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(a)(i) What laws govern the keeping of vicious breeds of dogs and (ii) who enforces the laws and (b) whose responsibility is it to ensure the public is safe from the vicious breeds of dogs; (2) whose responsibility is it to ensure that the animals are kept in adequate housing so as not to cause the humans and animals harm; (3) whether the state veterinarians are involved; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) (a) what steps are being taken by her department to (i) address the indiscriminate and backyard breeding of vicious breeds of dogs and (ii) regulate ownership of the vicious breeds of dogs and (b) who polices the regulations?
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.
27 September 2023 - NW2832
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) What has her department estimate the financial losses sustained by farmers because of the destruction of farmland by fires (a) in the (i) 2020-21, (ii) 2021-22 and (iii) 2022-23 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2023; (2) what is the breakdown of the losses in each province; (3) what are the relevant details of the methodology her department employed in calculating the specified estimates?
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.
27 September 2023 - NW2990
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) What is the rate of (a) success and (b) failure of farmers who are beneficiaries of liquidated farms; (2) whether the Land Bank repossesses farms that are not successful; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (3) whether the Land Bank hands the farms back to the Government; if not, why not; if so, what (a) total number of such farms have been handed back to the Government and (b) are the relevant details of the list of all the farms; (4) what has she found to be the impact of the liquidation of farms on food production and/or security in the Republic?
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.
22 September 2023 - NW2970
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What measures has she put in place to create a platform where rural farmers can harness new opportunities and grow within the agricultural sector?
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.
22 September 2023 - NW2983
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What (a) total amount did her department spend on the dinner of Budget Vote 29 with stakeholders and (b) is the detailed breakdown of the (i) amount and (ii) items on which it was spent?
Reply:
a) No funds were spent by the Department. The gala dinner event was funded entirely by sponsor contributions.
b) (i),(ii) Falls away.
22 September 2023 - NW2971
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the relevant details of the forms of support that her department has provided to small-scale peasant family farming in rural (a) KwaZulu-Natal, (b) Limpopo and (c) Eastern Cape?
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.
12 September 2023 - NW2652
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
With reference to the land claim on the farm Syferfontein 80 JP and a number of other farms where an amended Government Gazette 37443 Notice 221, dated 20 March 2014 was published, being in contradiction to the Land Claims Commission’s 2020/21 Annual report (details furnished), what (a) are the details of the explanation that she, her department and the National Land Claims Commissioner furnished for the discrepancy and (b) was the (i) amount of financial compensation paid to the community and (ii) basis for the estimation?
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
12 September 2023 - NW2647
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1195 on 4 May 2023, she foresees any further factors that may affect the settlement of the specified land claim in the third quarter of the 2023-24 financial year; if not, what further progress has been made to ensure that the long overdue land claim is settled; if so, what are the relevant details of the factors; (2) whether any steps have been taken to ensure that all pertinent issues that are stalling the payment of the claim are resolved, especially those that led to the beneficiaries adopting the verification interdict process because of some disagreement of the payment to be made; if not, (a) why not and (b) what (i) are the detail of the issues that still need to be resolved and (ii) is the timeframe thereof; if so, what are the relevant details of the steps that have been taken?
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
30 August 2023 - NW2451
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What total amount (a) has been allocated to each agri-park in each financial year since it was established and (b) was spent by each specified agri-park in each specified financial year; (2) whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with the full list of all agri-parks, indicating (a) the total number of agri-parks, (b) the relevant details of the current status of each agri-park and (c) which agri-parks are currently (i) functional and (ii) dysfunctional; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
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
29 August 2023 - NW13
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the details of the (a) total breakdown of funding used to support the Chloe Land Care Programme in Juno, Limpopo, since the start of the project, (b)(i) past and (ii) current land care programmes and (c)(i) beneficiaries of such programmes and (ii) employment created; (2) what led to the demise of the Chloe Sisal Project?
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.
29 August 2023 - NW2453
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Considering that the Animal Health Act, Act 7 of 2002, was passed by Parliament and signed into law by former president Mr Thabo Mbeki in 2002, what (a) are the reasons that the specified Act was never promulgated and (b) was the name of the official who failed to implement the Act?
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.
16 August 2023 - NW2348
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the details of the (a) reasons that the Pretoria Deeds Office has moved offices, (b) dates that her department knew about the need to move offices, (c) registration targets that were achieved by the Pretoria office in each month, (d) project plan of the relocation of offices and (e) reasons for failure to provide (i) deeds registry services during the relocation of offices and (ii) comprehensive plans to catch up with lost productivity days?
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.
20 July 2023 - NW2252
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What (a) has she found to be the impact of rising food prices on (i) farmers, (ii) producers and (iii) emerging small-scale farmers and (b) steps of intervention has she taken to insulate poor households from hunger and chronic poverty due to the volatility of soaring prices?
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.
30 June 2023 - NW2511
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, since the ruling of the Pietermaritzburg High Court delivered on 11 June 2021, she has corrected the breach of her duty of ensuring that administrative measures to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the constitutional right to property and security of tenure of the holders of informal land rights for persons living under Ingonyama Trust land in KwaZulu-Natal are protected; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further, relevant details?
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.
30 June 2023 - NW2174
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) With reference to the announcement made by the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, in the State of the Nation Address on 20 June 2019, that the Government allocated R3,9 billion to the Land Bank in the 2019-22 medium-term budget, what (a) amount was disbursed in each financial year to date and (b) amount was allocated for (i) land reform projects and farms, (ii) the commercialisation of black farmers and (iii) small holding farmers in each financial year in the medium-term budget; (2) what amount has been spent for each designated programme to date for the budget allocation for the 2023-24 financial year; (3) what performance measures are in place to monitor the (a) implementation and (b) success of each programme that receives a budget allocation; (4) (a) what number of farmers does her department intend to support on an annual basis with the budget allocations to the Land Bank of South Africa and (b) by what date will the first briefing in this regard be submitted to the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa? NW2470E
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.
30 June 2023 - NW2171
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, in light of the municipal service delivery failures that have precipitated significant operational challenges for agribusinesses, her department will reconsider its approach to allow for more private sector participation in critical infrastructure provision; if not, what are the reasons that her department will not leverage private-sector efficiency and innovation to counterbalance municipal inadequacies; if so, what (a) framework is envisaged for the public-private collaboration and (b) are the further relevant details?
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.
- 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.
- 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.
30 June 2023 - NW2162
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 706 on 5 April 2023, the production targets of vaccines that were out of stock were met as indicated in her reply; if not, what are the (a) reasons that the targets were not met and (b) revised target dates of the various vaccines; if so, what are the relevant details?
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.
- Reasons where the specified targets were not met are detailed below:
VACCINES IN STOCK |
AVAILABILITY Y/N |
|
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. |
- 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. |
30 June 2023 - NW2512
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) Whether, since the ruling of the Pietermaritzburg High Court delivered on 11 June 2021, she has ensured administrative and corrective measures such as implementing an alternative system of recording customary and other informal rights to land of persons and communities residing in land held by trusts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she has ensured that the necessary administrative capacity to implement Chapter XI of the KwaZulu-Natal Land Affairs Act, Act 11 of 1994, and that of the KwaZulu-Natal Land Affairs (Permission to Occupy) Regulations are reinstated; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2856E
Reply:
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:
- 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.
- 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.
27 June 2023 - NW2407
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What(a) total number of planned projects on land and development support were finalised in the 2022-23 financial year and (b)(i) total number of the specified projects are approved for the 202324 financial year, (ii) are the names of the farms where the projects will be implemented and (iii) total amount will be spent?
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 |
26 June 2023 - NW2163
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1)By what date will the task force to address the agricultural sector’s concerns regarding food shortages, be established; (2) whether the members who will serve on the specified task force have been appointed; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what criteria did they have to meet to be seleted to serve as members on the task force; (3) what are the timelines that the task force will have to work to; (4) what will be done to address the concerns identified by the task force; (5) what steps will be taken to mitigate the effects of rolling blackouts on the agricultural, food, fibre and beverage industries?
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
26 June 2023 - NW2189
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1)How does her department, considering the deteriorating state of rural municipalities and its adverse impact on the agricultural sector, reconcile its commendable goals stated in the Agricultural and Agro-processing Master Plans with the realities on the ground in municipalities; (2) whether her department has a bridging strategy to reconcile its commendable goals that are stated in the Agricultural and Agro-processing Master Plans with the realities in municipalities; if so, how does her department plan to align policy with practice; if not, (3) whether she has found that the absence of such a bridging strategy suggests a disconnection with the plight of the small towns; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
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.
26 June 2023 - NW2175
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural
What measures has her department put in place to (a) complete the foot-and-mouth disease facility that was commissioned in 2010 and which was supposed to have been completed in the 2015-16 financial year is completed to enable the manufacturing of more vaccines to combat the outbreak of the specified disease and (b) ensure that fencing, as one of the biosecurity measures, is implemented and monitored in all provinces, especially in the rural areas, to prevent the spread of the disease?
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.
26 June 2023 - NW2173
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) What (a) is the vacancy rate of veterinary doctors in the Republic in each province from (i) 1 January 2019 up to 31 December 2022 and (ii) since 1 January 2023 and (b) steps has she taken to ensure that vacant positions of veterinarians in areas where there is a high shortage are filled in order to service the livestock; (2) whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with the number of veterinarians and veterinarian nurses who have qualified, but are not employed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what measures will her department put in place to absorb the unemployed veterinarians and veterinarian nurses to provide animal health services where there is a high need? NW2469E
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.
26 June 2023 - NW2012
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What progress has been made with creating black commercial farmers in the meat and dairy food chains?
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% |