Questions and Replies

Filter by year

29 February 2024 - NW4

Profile picture: Breedt, Ms T

Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 3435 on 22 November 2023, she will furnish Ms T Breedt with an exact date and/or updated time frame for the tabling of the new Animal Welfare Bill in Parliament; if not, why not; if so, who is responsible for the drafting of the new Bill; (2) whether, since her reply to the specified question on the specified date, a tender has been issued for the drafting of the new Bill; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether she will furnish Ms T Breedt with a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed with the University of Pretoria for the drafting of the new Animal Welfare Bill; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) (a) by what date will the Animal Welfare colloquium take place, as referred to in the minutes of the Animal Welfare Working Group, dated 10 July 2023, and previously agreed to by her department and (b) under whose auspices will the colloquium be convened; (5) whether she will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

(1) No. It is not possible to determine the exact time frames due to the various processes that have to be undertaken prior to the introduction of a Bill to Parliament. As indicated in the reply to question 3435 on 22 November 2023, the first draft is expected to be completed by March 2024 and the Bill will follow the normal legislation-making process including processing through the relevant Directors-General Cluster System; conducting a Socio-Economic Impact Assessment; constitutional certification by the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor and obtaining Cabinet’s approval to gazette for public comments. Once the comments have been addressed, Cabinet’s approval will be sought for tabling the Bill to Parliament.

(2) No. DALRRD will not proceed with tenders for the drafting of the Animal Welfare Bill, the Bill is being drafted within the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). The Department has previously responded that it added additional internal capacity in the form of three state veterinarians who are handling the animal welfare portfolio and therefore there is no need for the advertisement of a tender for the drafting of the Bill.

(3) No, because no Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the University of Pretoria for the drafting of the new Animal Welfare Bill.

(4)(a) No date has been confirmed for the Animal Welfare colloquium; this will form part of the consultation process as indicated in response to part (1) above.

(b) DALRRD.

(5) No.

29 February 2024 - NW138

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What is the latest update on the production status of African Horse Sickness vaccines by the Onderstepoort Biological Products; (2) whether all horse owners and/or veterinary doctors who had placed vaccine orders from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023 have received their orders; if not, (a) why not, (b) what challenges are causing delays and (c) what measures are being taken to ensure timely vaccine (i) production and (ii) delivery to farmers for animal vaccination; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. Production preparations for 2024 have commenced and 8 400 doses of African Horse Sickness vaccines have recently been released for the market.

2. No. However, most customers who confirmed their backorders have received what they ordered.

(a) The Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) system does not keep backorders. for more than 4 months, clients are expected to confirm or cancel. Some clients canceled, and some confirmed their orders.

(b) Delays are due to the breakdown of the freeze drier.

(c) OBP is servicing the current freeze drier.

(i) OBP will take delivery of a freeze drier in the second half of 2024 and is in the process of finalizing the procurement of another freeze drier. OBP is also inestigating contractual manufacturing opportunities.

(ii) OBP intends to make product available prior to the commencement of the vaccination season. All cooperatives and veterinarians will be kept informed about the status of vaccine availability monthly.

29 February 2024 - NW120

Profile picture: Breedt, Ms T

Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What steps will her department take to ensure that agriculture in the Republic will benefit from the new satellite technology for agriculture; (2) what steps will she take to ensure that her department has the necessary skills and understanding of the new technology to guide the agricultural sector of the Republic to be more productive and competitive in the world markets; (3) whether she will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

1. The Department already capitalizes on remote sensing capabilities offered by satellite technology, such as the Sentinel-Hub, to analyze agricultural lands. This technology provides insights into crop planting frequencies, moisture levels, and burn scars, employing various data standards including true colour composite, false colour composite, the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), False Colour Urban composite, the Normalised Difference Moisture Index (NDMI), and Short-Wave Infrared composite (SWIR). These tools enable the monitoring of agricultural practices, vegetation health, and environmental changes, thereby supporting precision agriculture.

2. Through the strategic use of satellite and the deployment of drone technologies, the Department seeks to address current challenges and harness opportunities for growth and innovation within the sector. Recognizing the critical role of skilled personnel, the Department has a cadre of GISc professionals across all provinces, adept in leveraging remote sensing data for agricultural assessment and planning. To stay at the forefront of technological advancements, the Department has initiated a drone program aimed at augmenting satellite data with ultra-high-resolution imagery. This initiative includes training a new cohort of drone pilots, ensuring adherence to safety standards set by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, and facilitating the integration of remote sensing products into actionable agricultural insights. Furthermore, the Department is committed to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of the South African agricultural sector on the global stage. By harnessing satellite data and advancing high-resolution remote sensing technologies, the Department aims to empower emerging farmers with precision agriculture techniques. These efforts are geared towards optimizing resource use, improving yield, and reducing operational costs through targeted application of fertilizers and pesticides.

3. No.

29 February 2024 - NW72

Profile picture: Mbabama, Ms TM

Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

With reference to her reply to question 789 for oral reply on 29 November 2023 and her department’s strategy for expanding poultry farming in the Republic, (a) what percentage of the grant component in the Blended Finance Scheme is aimed at assisting small and mediumsized poultry producers to enter the sector, thus breaking the barriers caused by high input costs such as feed that accounts for almost 70% of production costs?

Reply:

The Blended Finance Scheme grant allocation is 100% aimed at supporting black producers and entrepreneurs along the agricultural value chain of prioritised commodities. Poultry is one of the commodities prioritised in the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) and as such support to qualifying and bankable small and medium sized poultry producers will always receive priority. The grant allocation is not ring-fenced in percentage per commodity; the total allocation is intended to be used to support all prioritised commodities in the AAMP.

29 February 2024 - NW55

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What is the latest status update on the (a) labour tenancy claim and (b) relocation agreement between Mafube Coal Mine and the Mabhena family in Mpumalanga; (2) what progress has been made since the matter was referred to the Land Claims Court in terms of section 18(7) of the Land Reform (Labour Tenants) Act, Act No 3 of 1996, by officials from her department; (3) whether there has been any recent communication between her department and the affected families; if not, on what date can her department be expected to provide a briefing to the affected family and assist them in addressing the challenges they are currently facing; (4) what interim arrangements of support is her department providing to the family regarding their grievance of vandalised graves?

Reply:

(1)(a) The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) served the Mafube Coal Mine with section 17 notices under the Land Reform Labour Tenants Act, Act No 3 of 1996 (LTA). The landowners requested DALRRD to certify the relocation settlement. However, in terms of section 8 of LTA, only the Court can certify relocation of a labour tenant and determine if it is equitable redress. DALRRD working with the office of the Special Master of Labour Tenants (SMLT) is in the process of referring the labour tenancy claim to court.

(b) DALRRD has been presented with the relocation agreements signed by the Mabhena family and others by Mafube Coal Mine. The agreements were inconsistent with section 8 of LTA; hence the matter is being referred to court for a declaratory order if both parties agree.

2. The Mabhena family and others have signed the LA1 form to request legal representation from Legal Aid – South Africa (LASA). The application is being processed by the State Attorney and LASA.

3. Yes, DALRRD is in constant communication with the affected families and the latest meeting was in December 2023 including planned meetings to take place between the affected families, Department, SMLT and LASA in March 2024.

(4) None, since the matter of vandalized graves was never reported to DALRRD. However, DALRRD will investigate the allegations.

08 January 2024 - NW211

Profile picture: Bagraim, Mr M

Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What are the details of the (a) destination and (b) total costs for (i) accommodation, (ii) travel and (iii) any other costs incurred for international travel of each (aa) Minister and (bb) Deputy Minister of her department since 1 June 2019; (2) what is the total cost incurred for domestic air travel for each (a) Minister and (b) Deputy Minister of her department since 1 June 2019?

Reply:

 

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:

(1)(a) Please refer to the table below.

       

(1)(a)

Reason for travel

Minister

July/August 2019

Johannesburg/ Addis Ababa/ Cook Islands/ Lome (Togo)/Porto Novo, Benin / Cook Islands/ Lome (Togo)/ Lagos/ Johannesburg

Attended a conference on Songhai farming methods and protecting Natural Resources.

Minister

September 2019

Johannesburg/ Accra Ghana/ Johannesburg

Attended 2019 African Green Revolution Forum

Minister

Oct/Nov 2019

Johannesburg/ Addis Ababa/ Johannesburg

Attended High level Food Security & Nutrition Conference

Minister

November 2019

Johannesburg / Addis Ababa/ Abidjan/ Entebe Uganda

Attended Land Policy Conference in Africa

Minister

December 2019

Johannesburg / Lome (Togo)/Addis Ababa/ Dubai

Attended State visits to Guinea Conakry, Ghana and Togo

Minister

December 2019

Lome (Togo)/Addis Ababa/ Pekoa

 

Minister

December 2019

Addis Ababa/ Dubai

 

Minister

December 2019

Pekoa /Addis Ababa/Johannesburg/ Johannesburg

 

Minister

December 2019

Dubai/ Wuhan/ Sanya (China)

Attended state visit to China

Minister

December 2019

Pekoa/ Doha/ Johannesburg

 

Minister

December 2019

Pekoa / Sanya /Pekoa

 

Minister

December 2019

Sanya /Pekoa

 

Minister

December 2021

Abidjan/Accra

Attended State Visit to Abidjan, Cote D”Ivoire and Ghana

Minister

March 2022

Dubai: United Arab Emirates,

Commemoration of the South African National Day of the Dubai Expo

Minister

June 2022

Johannesburg / Berlin – Germany / Johannesburg

Ministerial Conference on Food Insecurity

Minister

June 2022

Johannesburg /Addis/ Geneva / Addis / Johannesburg

Attended WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference

Minister

October 2022

Johannesburg / Jeddah / Johannesburg

Attended State visit to Saudi Arabia

Minister

October 2022

Johannesburg / Paris / Johannesburg

Attended the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) meeting of agriculture ministers

Minister

October 2022

Johannesburg / Addis Ababa/ Johannesburg

Attended the High Level Food and Security and Nutrition Conference.

Minister

November 2022

Nairobi Kenya

Attended state visit

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL BY DM CAPA

DM

Date

Destination

Reason for travel

DM Capa

February 2023

Cape Town / Johannesburg / Addis Ababa/ Cape Town

Attended the investors’ roundtable common African Agro Park (CAAPs) programme held on the margins of the 36th Ordinary session of the African Union (AU) assembly.

DM Capa

Sept/October 2022

Johannesburg / Indonesia/ Johannesburg

G20 Agriculture Ministerial meeting

DM Capa

November 2022

Johannesburg / Muscat: Oman / Johannesburg

Attended the Third Global High Level Conference on Anti-microbial Resistance (AMR).

       

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL BY DM SKWATSHA

DM

Date

Destination

Reason for travel

DM Skwatsha

November 2021

Cape Town / Johannesburg / Geneva/ Johannesburg / Cape Town

Cancelled due to COVID 19 travel restrictions (12th WTO Ministerial Conference)

DM Skwatsha

September 2022

Cape Town / Johannesburg / Cairo/Johannesburg / Cape Town

Attending COP 27

DM Skwatsha

November 2022

Cape Town / Johannesburg/ Entebbe/ Johannesburg/ Cape Town

12th Conference of Ministers of Agriculture

(1)(b),(i),(ii),(iii),(aa),(bb) Please refer to the table below

             

Financial year

Minister accomodation

(b)(i)(aa)

Minister travel cost

(b)(ii)(aa)

Minister other costs

(b) (iii)(aa)

Deputy Minister(s) accommodation

(b) (i)(bb)

Deputy Minister(s) travel costs

(b)(ii)(bb)

Deputy Ministers other costs

(b)(iii)(bb)

2019/2020

R 12,800.00

R -

R -

R98,163.00-DM- Skwatsha

R381,803.00-DM Skwatsha

R8,875.00-DM Skwatsha

2020/2021

R -

R -

R -

R -

R -

R3,836.00-DM Skwatsha

2021/2022

R -

R29,426.00

R -

R -

R 91,287.00-DM Capa

R -

2022/2023

R66,581.00

R570,445.00

R -

R92,722.00-DM Capa

R185,059.00-DM Capa

R9,431.00-DM Capa

Total

R79,381.00

R699,871.00

R -

R 190,885.00

R658,149.00

R22,142.00

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

Total Cost Domestic Air

 

Financial Year

(a) Minister

(b) Deputy Minister-Skwatsha

(b) Deputy Minister-Capa

2019/2020

R32464.8

R377519.44

0

2020/2021

R132408.29

R74372.76

R9777.45

2021/2022

R219798.87

R233453.98

R247203.55

2022/2023

R91277.44

R527487.61

R3209.51

Total

R475949.4

R1 212833.79

R260190.51

08 January 2024 - NW754

Profile picture: Gondwe, Dr M

Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

(1) On what date was Mr Lubabalo Makapela appointed as the Eastern Cape Director of the National Rural Youth Service Corps (Narysec); (2) whether his appointment was in line with human resources (a) recruitment and (b) selection processes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether the person possesses the necessary (a) qualifications and/or (b) experience for the position of Eastern Cape Director of the Narysec; (4) on what date did the person (a) enrol for the Nyukela Programme and (b) obtain the Nyukela certificate?

Reply:

 

  1. 1 April 2023.
  2. (a) All the issues related to the appointment of Mr Lubabalo Makapela are subjected to comprehensive investigation by the Department. The department will be guided by the outcome of the investigation report.

            (b) Falls away.

       3.   (a) and (b) Falls away

       4.   (a) and (b) Falls away

08 January 2024 - NW753

Profile picture: Gondwe, Dr M

Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

1) On what date was the position of the Eastern Cape Director of the National Rural Youth Service Corps advertised; 2) whether Mr Lubabalo Makapela applied for the specified position when it was initially advertised; if not, why not; if so, will she furnish Dr M M Gondwe with the proof of the specified person’s application; 3) whether the person met the criteria for shortlisting; if not, why was the person then shortlisted for the position; if so, on what date was the person interviewed for the position; 4) (a) what total number of candidates were shortlisted for the position, (b) on what date did the shortlisting take place and (c) what criteria were used to shortlist candidates for the position; 5) whether the (a) human resources department and (b) union(s) were represented during the entire recruitment and selection process; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Reply:

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:

  1. 10 August 2021.
  2. Yes; however, the application form contains personal information and will not be disclosed in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013.
  3. All the issues related to the appointment of Mr Lubabalo Makapela are subjected to comprehensive investigation by the Department. The department will be guided by the outcome of the investigation report.
  4.    (a) 6.

               (b) 4 February 2022.

               (c) All the issues related to the appointment of Mr Lubabalo Makapela are subjected to comprehensive investigation by the Department. The                                 department will be guided by the outcome of the investigation report.

        5.(a) Yes. Deputy Director Human Resource Administration, Eastern Cape (EC), Assistant Director Recruitment and Selection, EC; Human Resource                        Administration Clerk, EC.

             (b) No, in terms of the Departmental Policy on Recruitment and Selection, “Trade union representatives may be present during the shortlisting and                       interview processes for posts on salary levels 1 to 12 and Occupation Specific Dispensations to observe that the process is fair and without any                        bias and discrimination.” The post of Director NARYSEC is at salary level 13 and therefore the unions were not required to be part of the                                  processes.

20 December 2023 - NW3998

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What measures has she put in place to improve the situation of the Animal Health Directorate that has to date failed livestock farmers, which is also reflected by the Ministerial Task Team’s report which highlighted numerous issues?

Reply:

The Animal Health Directorate has not failed livestock farmers. The mandate of the Directorate is “to provide for the control of animal diseases and parasites, for measures to promote animal health, and for matters connected therewith”.

To this end, the Department has regulations and guidelines for the prevention of entry as well as the control of diseases. The sub-directorates of Epidemiology and Disease Control are constantly monitoring laboratory results which are analyzed, and any suspicion of infection is brought to the attention of the Director and the Chief Veterinary Officer. This is followed up by instructions to the provinces on how to handle the suspicion including control measures to apply. Due to varying resources in the provinces, these are applied differently in each province, with varying success.

One of the high-risk activities that the Department is managing is research conducted using pathogens that could be detrimental to the health status of the country. Ironically this same risk mitigation is found to be unnecessary by the Ministerial Task Team’s report.

The findings of the Ministerial Task Team’s report were all catered for in the Veterinary Strategy that was signed in March 2016. The Strategy has 5 pillars, one of which is to strengthen competencies for animal health, all of which are being implemented and facilitated by Operation Phakisa, at differing rates depending on the availability of resources.

Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984) places the responsibility of preventing the introduction of diseases on owners. The Department has several biosecurity guidelines for different farming practices which include surveillance, some of which is at the owner’s expense and some which the Government pays for. However, many farms do not implement these measures due to the expenses associated with them. The lack of biosecurity on farms has been demonstrated to contribute significantly to the introduction and further spread of diseases into and between farms.

Climate change and international trade in animals and animal products have also led to increased occurrence of animal diseases. Maintaining a biosecure environment is thus always a moving target and this is not unique to animal and animal products.

In the past 5 years, South Africa successfully eradicated 3 separate outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreaks in the country, but most importantly, retained trade with neighboring countries. The reason neighboring countries could still accept poultry products from South Africa, at the height of a trade-sensitive disease outbreak, was because of the confidence they have in the Veterinary Services of South Africa, which is brought by its sound technical expertise in the field.

South Africa also reported cases of African Swine Fever outbreaks and equally retained trade with most neighboring countries.

Since 2019, South Africa has not had a free status for Foot and Mouth Disease, and yet trade of livestock, beef, and wool continues; this again is due to the confidence in the South African Veterinary Services’ globally. Recently the Department facilitated the opening of beef exports to China and Saudi Arabia, and a few other countries are in the pipeline, such as Iraq.

Just these three points highlight the support given to the farming communities and how the Department is not failing its livestock farmers.

While some control measures are not solely the responsibility of the Department, classic examples of challenges illustrating plain disregard of the law are indiscriminate movements of cattle even though the Minister had placed restrictions on the movements of livestock at the start of the North West outbreak, and the legal challenges lodged against the Department by the same livestock farmers the Department was trying to protect.

 

As the report recommends, Veterinary Services is strengthening its collaboration with industries; there are already two recent success stories from this collaboration viz. the opening of beef markets for China and Saudi Arabia. The containment of Foot and Mouth Disease is another success story that is due to these collaborative efforts.

20 December 2023 - NW3623

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What (a) are the full detailed arrangements and/or contracts that are in place between her department and the SA Farmers Development Association (SAFDA) and (b) is the detailed breakdown of funds received by SAFDA from the allocated budget of her department. (2) what (a) are the details of farmers who were funded and/or supported through SAFDA, (b)(i) items were received and (ii) is the price of each item and (c) is the success rate of the farmers to date. (3) what are the (a) details of farmers who were excluded from the support provided by SAFDA and (b) reasons for their exclusion?

Reply:

(1) (a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) signed an overarching MoA with the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) which controls all commodity organization trusts through the Marketing of Agricultural Act No. 47 of 1996 including the introduction of levies on agricultural products. A portion of these levies is used for transformation of the sectors. The MoA allows DALRRD to enter into Service Level Agreements (SLA) which regulate this partnership.

The response is divided into three parts based on specific interventions as per agreements emanating from the main Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) concluded with the South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA). Part 1 focuses on Land Development and Post Settlement Support, Part 2 on Fertilizer support and Part 3 on Infrastructure Development.

(b) Please refer to Annexure A.

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

(c) The farms are all at different levels of productivity. Infrastructure projects progress is reflected in Annexure A.

(3) (a) None.

(b) Falls away.

 

(1)(b) Breakdown of funds received by/ disbursed to SAFDA from allocated budget

(2)(a) Details of farmers funded and/or supported

(2)(b)(i)

Item received / details of support

(2)(b)(ii)

Price per item

(c) Success rate of farmers to date

Budgeted amount

Amount disbursed to SAFDA.

       

Part 1: LAND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT PROGRAMME

KWAZULU-NATAL: FARMS UNDER SAFDA

R18 461 128.92

R18 461 128.92

Isizwe Sakwa Dludla Trust

Production inputs

R4 991 840.00

The Trust had internal conflict that delayed implementation. Following a community resolution, the Trust established a new Operational Entity for the implementation of LDS.

Current status: the new entity to sign a Financial Tripartite with the Financial Institution to enable the transfer of funds to be completed and implementation to resume.

     

Machinations

R12 907 306.50

 
     

Infrastructure

R200 000.00

 
     

Operating Capital

R0.00

 
     

SAFDA management fee (2%)

R361 982.92

 

R18 577 375.52

R18 577 375.52

Entembeni Trust, Entembeni

Production inputs

R1 529 280.00

Expenditure to date

R9 635 713.31

Implementation at 52%

     

Machinations

R15 133 833.25

 
     

Infrastructure

R1 550 000.00

 
     

Operating Capital

R0.00

 
     

SAFDA management fee(2%)

R364 262.27

 

R14 429 937.91

R14 429 937.91

Entembeni Royal Household

Production inputs

R842 400.00

Expenditure to date

R8 685 887.13

Implementation at 60%

     

Machinations

R12 754 598.30

 
     

Infrastructure

R550 000.00

 
     

Operating Capital

R0.00

 
     

SAFDA management fee (2%)

R282 939.66

 

R15 178 092.92

R15 178 092.92

Emakhasaneni Trust

Production inputs

R0.00

Expenditure to date

R9 216 378.88

Implementation at 61%

     

Mechanizations

R13 323 282.20

 
     

Infrastructure

R650 000.00

 
     

Operating Capital

R907 200.00

 
     

SAFDA management fee (2%)

R297 609.67

 
           

MPUMALANGA: FARMS UNDER SAFDA

R33 508 660.53

R33 508 660.53

Matsamo CPA

Production inputs

R5 509 769.09

90% complete

     

Mechanizations

R6 313 705.00

 
     

Infrastructure

R8 750 000.00

 
     

Operating Capital

R17 787 922.57

 
     

SAFDA management fee (2%)

R657 032.56

 

R4 839 900.00

R4 839 900.00

Rouxville

Production inputs

R00.00

25% complete

     

Mechanizations

R810 000.00

 
     

Infrastructure

R3 935 000.00

 
     

Operating Capital

R0.00

 
     

SAFDA management fee (2%)

R94 900.00

 

R14 879 839.00

R14 879 839.00

Bambanani Mlambo trust

Production inputs

R709 745.00

100% complete

     

Mechanizations

R1 464 217.25

 
     

Infrastructure

R0.00

 
     

Operating Capital

R6 322 877.00

 
     

SAFDA management fee (2%)

R291 761.65

 
 

Part 2: EDTM: FERTILIZER SUPPORT

DALRRD signed a Service Level Agreement with the SA Farmers Development Association (SAFDA) to coordinate and facilitate procurement of production inputs (fertilizers) for Small-Scale Growers (SSGs) in the Komati/Malelane Farmer Production Support Units (FPSUs) in Nkomazi Local Municipality under the Ehlanzeni District of the Mpumalanga Province:

  • SAFDA developed business plans for Mpumalanga, motivating for support to SSG’s for fertilizer support, given that fertilizer prices had trebled; and
  • Business plans were approved and SAFDA was tasked with the procurement of the fertilizer, delivery to the farmers and then invoicing DALRRD.

KWAZULU-NATAL (KZN): SMALL SCALE GROWERS’ (SSGs) FERTILIZER SUPPORT 2023 (Summary of SSGs, HAs, Bags and value of provided fertilizer)

Budgeted amount

Amount disbursed to SAFDA.

MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

BUSINESS PLAN

No of Bags @R856

 

Price per item

Success rate to date

   

 

Area

 

Growers

     

R97 274 342

R97 274 342

Umzimkulu

1 436.65

235

7 183

R856.00 per bag

All the Growers received the fertilizer and signed for it.

   

Sezela

3 166.59

1 661

15 833

   
   

UGU

4 603.24

1 896

23 016

   
   

Umfolozi

2 478.89

1 624

12 394

   
   

UMKHANYAKUDE

2 478.89

1 624

12 394

   
   

Gledhow

2 210.40

182

11 052

   
   

Darnall

1 948.55

160

9 742

   
   

Maidstone

1 476.30

343

7 382

   
   

ILEMBE

5 635.25

685

28 176

   
   

Noodsberg

849.60

714

4 248

   
   

Eston

737.45

487

3 687

   
   

UMGUNGUNDLOVU

1 587.05

1 201

7 935

   
   

Pongola RCL

136.60

16

683

   
   

ZULULAND

136.60

16

683

   
   

Amatikulu

4 040.22

2 661

20 201

   
   

Felixton / Makhatini / Jozini

4 801.75

2 596

24 009

   
   

KING CHETSHWAYO

8 841.97

5 257

44 210

   
   

     TOTALS

23 283

10 679

116 415

   
 

MPUMALANGA : KOMATI PROJECTS

R43 million

R43 million

Project

Cession (ha)

No of growers

Cession (No of Bags)

Price per item

Success Rate

   

Spoons 8 Farmer Association

627,8

56

3139

R833.65 per bag of fertilizer throughout all the projects

All fertilisers were issued and signed for.

   

Lugedlane and Shinyokane

576

37

2880

   
   

Figtree A FA Association

447

14

2235

   
   

Figtree B Farmer Association

235

14

1175

   
   

Figtree C Farmer Association

446,4

47

2232

   
   

Figtree D Farmer Association

437,8

76

2189

   
   

Madadeni FA

327

40

1635

   
   

Magudu FA

391,2

15

1956

   
   

Mbunu B

402

52

2011

   
   

Mfumfane

634

75

3170

   
   

Ntunda A and B

33

1

42

   
   

Sibange

333

38

1665

   
   

Sikhwahlane

436

54

2180

   
   

Spoons 7 A&B

367,2

30

1836

   
   

Sibonshwa project

116

1

580

   
   

Walda

871,6

36

4358

   
   

Vuka Usebente

76

7

380

   
   

Huchinson farm Mzinti

18

1

90

   
   

Timiseleni Coop Magudu

243

15

1215

   
   

Phaphamani womens coop

23,3

2

117

   
   

JJ Maswati coop

141

40

705

   
   

Total

71 825

651

35790

   
           

MPUMALANGA: MALELANE PROJECTS

   

Projects

Cession (ha)

No of Growers

Cession

Price per item

Success rate

   

Nyubela and Sons

51

1

255

R833.65 per bag of fertilizer throughout all the projects

All fertilisers were issued and signed for.

   

Langeloop 1 (West & East)

410

40

2050

   
   

Langeloop 2

300

37

1500

   
   

Khanyangwane/ Buffelspruit

224

29

1121

   
   

Gijima Bomake Coop

135

56

677

   
   

Tikhontele Co-op

314

28

1570

   
   

Schoemansdal Trust

104

88

522

   
   

Nhlangu West

87

27

435

   
   

Nhlangu East

127,6

25

638

   
   

Ngogolo

590

39

2950

   
   

Mbongozi

135,6

18

678

   
   

Zelpy

136

22

680

   
   

Dwaleni

51

1

255

   
   

Lotswitswi

22

1

110

   
   

Middleplaas (Timiseleni n Tizameleni)

122

28

610

   
   

Rainbow

32

20

160

   
   

Rouxville farm

90

1

450

   
   

Total

2931,8

461

14659

   
               

EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY FOR KOMATI/MALELANE FPSU

   

EQUIPMENT / MACHINERY

Specification

Usage

Quantity

Total Amount (R)

Growers that use the services of the FPSU equipment can save more than R3 500/ha on land preparation costs since private contractors have been charging more than R8 000/ha for complete land preparation while the FPSU charges between R4 500 – R5 500/ha. The current land preparation rate is more than R10 000/ha, and the FPSU currently charges R5 500/ha. Farmers that have used the growers’ machinery have saved and improved their farm profitability (though no actual impact assessment has been done at this stage). The success rate on farms will be determined after harvesting in December 2023.

   

Tractors (4x4)

71-80 kw with CAB MFWD

Land Preparation/ General Purpose

2

R1 554 132

 
   

Tractor (4x4)

91-100 kw with CAB MFWD

Land Preparation /Fire Fighting

1

R1 387 284

 
   

Boom Sprayer

600L

Herbicide/Pesticide Application

1

R63 106

 
   

Fire Tanker

5000L, full house

Firefighting/ Herbicide

1

R252 800

 
   

Gyramower/

Slasher 1.8m

Heavy Duty

Slashing/Road Maint

1

R53 424

 
   

Mouldboard Plough

Reversible

Land Preparation

1

R111 700

 
   

Lowbed

6 Ton capacity

Transporting machinery between projects

1

R221 600

 
   

Bell Loader

120 model

Crop removal

4

R4 338 688

 
   

Ripper

Medium Duty – 5 Curved Shank

Land Preparation

1

R84 000

 
   

Ridger/

Furrow

Shear Ridger – 3 Row

Land Preparation

1

R77 000

 
   

TLB

 

Land Preparation /General Purpose

1

R1 017 600

 
   

3 row fertilizer applicator

3 row fertilizer applicator

Fertilizer application

1

R58 500

 
   

5 Ton Tipper Trailer

5 Ton Tipper Trailer

General Purpose

1

R128 000

 
   

INFRASTRUCTURE

         
   

Dragline rehabilitation

(50m draglines; tripods; sprinkler heads; nozzles; stoppers; piplets)

Irrigation overhauling (procurement and supply)

300

R1 500 000

 
   

Drip system materials

(filters; valves; rolls; gromets; L-couples; reducers; straight couplings; End stoppers; Submain line)

Irrigation overhauling (procurement, supply and installation)

100

R2 500 000

 
   

Dam/River Pumps

8x10/75kw motors; 8x soft starters)

Replacement and installation

400

R1 000 000

 
   

TOTAL

     

R14 347 834

 
 

Part 3: RURAL DEVELOPMENT: INFRASTRUCTURE

KWAZULU NATAL

R37 455 014

R37 455 014

Amatikulu

Macekane FPSU: Macekane has 2 600 small-scale sugar cane growers, planting approximately 5372 hectares.

R37 455 014

Progress made to date is 30-50%

R37 455 014

R37 455 014

Felixton

Amatikulu FPSU: Amatikulu has 4 025 sugar cane small-scale growers, planting approximately 5 862 hectares.

R37 455 014

Progress made to date is 30-50%

R37 455 014

R37 455 014

Gledhow

Darnall

Maidstone

Qwabe FPSU: Qwabe has 547 sugar cane small-scale growers, planting approximately 3 958 hectares.

R37 455 014

Progress made to date is 30-50%

R37 455 014

R37 455 014

Makhathini/ Jozini

Jozini FPSU: Jozini has 1240 sugar cane small-scale growers, planting approximately 2278 hectares.

R37 455 014

Progress made to date is 30-50%

R37 455 014

R37 455 014

Umzimkulu

Sezela

Sezela FPSU: Sezela has 1156 sugar cane small-scale growers, planting approximately 4283 hectares.

R37 455 014

Progress made to date is 10%

R37 455 014

R37 455 014

Noodsberg

Eston

Noordsburg FPSU: Noordsburg has 2321 sugar cane small-scale growers, planting approximately 1467 hectares.

R37 455 014

Progress made to date is 30-50%

MPUMALANGA

R44 844 404.66

R29 299 331.13

Komati:

    • Spoons 7 & 8 Farmer Association
    • Lugedlane and Shinyokane
    • Figtree A, B, C & D Association
    • Madadeni FA
    • Magudu FA
    • Mbunu B
    • Mfumfane
    • Ntunda A and B
    • Sibange
    • Sikhwahlane
    • Sibonshwa
    • Walda
    • Magudu

Farms Irrigation infrastructure development and upgrades for 2 200ha

R29 299 331.13

Progress is at 32% (700ha) to date.

 

R15 545 073.53

Malelane:

    • Langeloop 1 & 2
    • Schoemansdal Trust
    • Nhlangu West
    • Nhlangu East
    • Ngogolo
    • Middleplaas (Timiseleni n Tizameleni)

Schoemansdal

Refurbishment of 22 farms’ production inputs storage facilities and offices

Farms soil and water conservation structures development

Development of Malelane/Nkomati Sugarcane FPSU that will provide support to production farms in the form of a mechanisation centre and fuel depot.

R15 545 073.53

Progress made to date is 80%.

20 December 2023 - NW3518

Profile picture: Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN

Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether her department has contributed towards the training and upskilling of youth agri-preneurs in rural areas in the current financial year; if not, why not; if so, (a) in what way was the upskilling done and (b) what total (i) number of youths were beneficiaries and (ii) what amount was spent?

Reply:

Yes.

a) The Department is contributing towards the training and upskilling of youth agri-preneurs in rural areas through various training interventions categorised as follows:

  • Production: goat, poultry, crops, animals, maize, livestock and beef production, artificial insemination, hydroponics etc;
  • Business and Entrepreneurship: bookkeeping, business management, financial management, record keeping, marketing, new venture creation, farm management, veld management, South African Good Agricultural Practice (SA-GAP), access to funding, conflict management etc.;
  • Occupation Health and Safety: safety use of chemicals, animal health, fire management, biosecurity etc.; and
  • Agro – Processing: grain processing, value adding, packaging etc.

(b)(i) Total beneficiaries who received training through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) during the current financial year (2023/24) is 10 085 of which 4 134 are youth and in addition, 394 beneficiaries of State Land Allocation Programme also received training of which 239 are youth.

NARYSEC Programme: 128 young people have been trained and certified in the agricultural sector in the 2023/ 2024 Financial Year to date with a budget of R7 026 050.72 (Annexure A: NARYSEC Interventions).

A total of 195 young people under the NARYSEC Programme is currently busy with skills development in the agricultural sector for the 2023/24 Financial Year, and the estimated budget is R10 961 643 (Annexure A: NARYSEC Interventions).

2023/ 2024 Financial Year Intakes for the NARYSEC Programme on different sectors:

  • Annexure B: July 2022 Intake – 702 youth people;
  • Annexure C: May 2023 Intake – 700 young people;
  • Annexure D: September 2023 Intake – 845 young people; and
  • Annexure E: October 2023 Intake – 735 young people.

(ii) R50 425 000 was spent on CASP beneficiaries and R1 195 000 was spent on State Land beneficiaries.

 

ANNEXURE A OF NA-QUES 3518 OF 2023– NARYSEC INTERVENTIONS

Table 1: NARYSEC Youth Trained and Certified in the Agricultural Sector in the 2023/24 Financial Year: The table below details the number of NARYSEC youth trained and certified in the Agricultural Sector for the 2023/24 financial year to date, per province, per learning programme, as well as the type of agribusiness these youth were recruited for, and the associated budget:

No.

Province

No. Youth

Learning Programme

Agribusiness Opportunity

Budget

1.

Eastern Cape

13

Poultry & Piggery Production

In Joe Gqabi and OR Tambo Districts, the Municipalities and Traditional Councils have made projects and land available for NARYSEC participants to be linked to projects and start their own agricultural enterprises.

R529 100.00

2.

Free State

20

Animal Production

The Trompsburg and Zastron Farming and Projects Cooperatives have committed to expose the young people who are decedents of the beneficiaries to take an active role in the operation of the projects. Support will be provided to establish these youth into enterprises.

R680 000.00

   

27

Plant Production

The Bakoena Tribal Authority has committed to support the enterprise formed with a portion of land for fruit and vegetable production. Support will be provided to establish these youth into enterprises.

R877 500.00

3.

KZN

19

Tractor & Basic Farm Implements Maintenance

Youth trained to support DALRRD supported enterprises.

R847 020.00

4.

Limpopo

3

Crop Production

Youth being supported to start enterprises through DALRRD Community Enterprise Development (CED) unit.

R58 500.00

5.

Northern Cape

8

Bee Keeping & Honey Production

The Ba-Ga Bareki Traditional Authority has committed to supply the 8 youth with land to start-up and run a Bee Keeping and Honey Production business.

R526 150.72

6.

North West

15

Animal Production

The Bangwaketse bo-Rra Motingoe Trust requested that these youth be trained in Animal and Plant Production, as the farm has both grain and animal production components. The farmer who is leasing the farm has offered to mentor them for a year after they complete their training, whilst paying them a salary. The mentoring will help the youth to apply their skills in a commercial set-up. This will result in the Bangwaketse bo-Rra Motingoe Trust having a skilled workforce when the lease lapses and the community take over the operation of the farm.

R1 384 650.00

   

23

Plant Production

 

R2 123 130.00

GRAND TOTAL

128

 

R7 026 050.72

Table 2: NARYSEC Youth Currently Busy with Skills Development in the Agricultural Sector for the 2023/24 Financial Year. The table below details the number of NARYSEC youth currently busy with skills development in the Agricultural Sector for this financial year per province, per learning programme, as well as the type of agribusiness these youth were recruited for, and the associated budget:

 

No.

Province

No. Youth

Learning Programme

Agribusiness Opportunity

Budget

1.

Eastern Cape

10

Grain Production

In Joe Gqabi and OR Tambo Districts, the Municipalities and Traditional Councils have made projects and land available for NARYSEC participants to be linked to projects and start their own agricultural enterprises.

R370 300.00

   

10

Tea Production

 

R367 700.00

2.

Free State

15

Fruit & Vegetable Production

The Edenville farming and Projects Cooperatives has committed to expose the young people who are decedents of the beneficiaries to take an active role in the operation of the projects. Support will be provided to establish these youth into enterprises.

R487 500.00

3.

Gauteng

20

Poultry Production

These youth will be grouped into 4 poultry cooperatives and will also be issued with starter packs to become operational.

R1 449 200.00

4.

KZN

19

Plant Production

Youth being trained to support DALRRD supported enterprises.

R751 526.00

   

10

Animal Production

Enterprises to be supported by DALRRD CED units.

R387 620.00

   

13

Poultry Production

Enterprises to be supported by DALRRD CED units.

R463 892.00

5.

Limpopo

20

Vegetable Production

Land has been made available by Ellias Motsoaledi and Greater Letaba Municipalities and the Traditional Council, for these youth to start their own agricultural enterprises.

R814 000.00

   

10

Mixed Farming

Maruleng, Waterberg, Vhembe and Sekhukhune District Municipalities have committed to absorbing these youth upon completion of training and to also support those interested in starting their own enterprises.

R378 475.00

   

10

Poultry Production

The Bantwane Traditional Council has provided 10 Hectares of land where these youth will be supported to start their own enterprise. The Provincial Department of Agriculture has also committed to absorb these youth into funded agricultural enterprises for experiential training.

R635 000.00

6.

North West

10

Animal Production

Ten (10) youth from Jericho in the Bojanala District formed a cooperative, namely JBS Co-operative whose main aim is beef production.

R923 100.00

   

17

Plant Production

The Ramotlakane CPA Executive Committee identified a portion of land that will be allocated to the youth after training. The portion is approximately 22 hectares and has a functional irrigation system, water pump and fenced.

R1 569 270.00

7.

Western Cape

31

Agriculture Maintenance Supervisor

Nine (9) youth will work with the Thembelihle farming project as a way of introducing the youth into Farming. The youth are the descendants of the beneficiaries. The project has been largely funded by the Department.
A further nine (9) youth will work with the Sandkraal farm; the Department is in the process of funding the establishment. The youth are from the same community where the farm is. The remaining thirteen (13) youth will be absorbed by UmuSA Foundation and placed in their farm for permanent employment.

R2 364 060.00

GRAND TOTAL

195

 

R10 961 643.00

Please note that the total budget per learning programme includes the costs related to Training, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Toolboxes, and Training Stipend (R3 500.00 per month per learner).

20 December 2023 - NW3505

Profile picture: Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN

Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether her department has details of the total number of successful young commercial farmers who have attained funding through her department in the (a) 2019-20, (b) 2020-21, (c) 2021-22 and (d) 2022-23 financial years; if not, why not; if so, (i) what are the figures in each municipality, (ii) which sectors of agriculture have seen the most investment and (iii) what was the total expenditure?

Reply:

(a),(b),(c),(d) Yes. This response covers young commercial farmers who have received funding from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) through Conditional Grants (Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme “CASP” and Ilima/Letsema) that are transferred to Provincial Departments of Agriculture who implement agricultural projects. The young farmers reported herein are beneficiaries (owners or shareholders) of projects that were implemented in the respective financial years reported below.

(i) The number of youth farmers supported per province in the respective financial years as follows: Tables 1 and 2 depicts figures for CASP and Ilima/Letsema respectively, while Table 3 provides information for the Jobs Fund.

Table 1: CASP – Number of youth supported per financial year:

CASP

  1. 2019/20
  1. 2020/21
  1. 2021/22
  1. 2022/23

Eastern Cape

195

257

131

278

Free State

235

610

300

155

Gauteng

67

21

231

1 575

KwaZulu Natal

188

442

484

503

Limpopo

79

77

26

26

Mpumalanga

190

61

115

94

Northern Cape

29

3

39

5

North West

128

128

41

51

Western Cape

251

131

95

3

Total No

1 363

1 731

1 462

2 690

Males/Female

717 / 646

911 / 820

840 / 622

1 189 / 1 501

Source: CASP Annual Reports from Provincial Departments of Agriculture.

Table 2: Ilima/Letsema- Number of youth Supported per financial year

Ilima/Letsema

  1. 2019/20
  1. 2020/21
  1. 2021/22
  1. 2022/23

Eastern Cape

5 059

410

3 894

5 672

Free State

13 331

5 789

222

0

Gauteng

83

18

2 000

55

KwaZulu Natal

603

607

1 241

1 235

Limpopo

461

474

2 070

1 253

Mpumalanga

403

191

1 408

395

Northern Cape

26

10

22

0

North West

62

19

0

21

Western Cape

232

36

0

432

Total No.

20 260

7 554

10 857

9 063

Males/Female

8 885 / 11 375

3 804 / 3 750

4 136 / 6 721

3 893 / 5 170

Source: Ilima/Letsema Annual Reports from Provincial Departments of Agriculture.

Table 3: Jobs Fund – Number of youth supported per financial year:

Year

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

(i) what are the figures in each municipality?

   

Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompathi District

- 1 livestock farmer (34 years)

- Allocated Amount = R 1 021 600

Bojanala District (North West)

- 2 young citrus farmers (28 & 32 years)

- Allocated Amount = R 10 815 965

Chris Hani District (Eastern Cape)

- 1 livestock farmer (32 years)

- Allocated Amount = R 4 013 514

(ii) which sectors of agriculture have seen the most investment?

Horticulture and livestock production received the most investment. Funding went towards both primary production and agro-processing.

(iii) What was the total expenditure?

 

R 15 851 079.00

Total Project Budget

 

R 38 437 823.25

% Expenditure on Young Commercial Farmers

 

41 %

(ii) In terms of CASP (Ilima/Letsema), the support focused on grain production followed by livestock, vegetable, and fruit while horticulture and livestock production received the most investment with regards the Jobs Fund intervention.

(iii) Conditional Grants and Jobs Fund Expenditure reported:

Financial Year

CASP Budget spent

R’000

Ilima/Letsema Budget Spent

R’000

Jobs Fund Budget Spent

2019/20

1 537 000

510 000

-

2020/21

1 041 000

415 000

-

2021/22

1 228 875

546 574

1 021 600

2022/23

1 478 007

593 818

10 815 965

4 013 514

Total spent

5 284 882

2 065 392

15 851 079

Note! The total expenditure against the budget transferred to the province was reported, not expenditure against gender or vulnerability groups.

20 December 2023 - NW3269

Profile picture: Montwedi, Mr Mk

Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Given that during her visit to Taung in 2020 she made a commitment to farmers that the Lesedi store would be handed over to farmers to be fully used for agricultural activities, what (a) steps has she taken to fulfil the specified promise and (b) time frames have been put in place to acquire the Lesedi store?

Reply:

a) Steps taken are as follows:

  • Appointment and Mandate of the Task Team: In November 2021, the Head of Department (HOD) of the North West Provincial Department of Agriculture (NW-PDA) formed a Task Team. This Team's primary objective was to address two key issues at the North West Provincial agricultural facility: firstly, determining the rightful ownership of the facility, and secondly, evacuating non-agricultural businesses, such as motor mechanic workshops and brick-making enterprises.
  • Initial Actions and Renovation Plans: The Task Team, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), decided to refurbish specific structures at the facility for use as a Farmer Production Support Unit (FPSU). This unit would support Taung crop farmers who cultivate approximately 3600-3700 hectares of land under an Irrigation Scheme. Essential renovation works identified included upgrading the storage facility, the guard room, and fencing, with further infrastructure development planned for the future.
  • Challenges in Eviction and Lease Agreements: The eviction process of the current tenants, primarily non-agricultural businesses, faced complications. Occupiers of the Lesedi building claimed to have valid lease agreements with the Provincial Department of Agriculture. However, upon investigation, it was determined that these leases had expired, and the NW-PDA had no plans to renew them. The Task Team's mandate to evict these tenants was hindered by this lease disagreement.
  • Stalled Development Plans: Due to unresolved issues regarding the facility's ownership and the ongoing presence of non-agricultural businesses, DALRRD's plans to develop the site were put on hold.

b) Resolution Efforts by NW-PDA: The NW-PDA, as the custodian of the Lesedi building, committed to resolving the conflict with local businesses. This action aims to make the facility available for its intended purpose – the establishment of a functional FPSU for Taung farmers. However, the Task Team faced further delays. Meetings with tenants were disrupted by individuals claiming ownership of the Lesedi Cooperative facility. Consequently, the Task Team could not resolve the ownership issue and sought legal advice from the State Attorney, which is still pending.

20 December 2023 - NW4069

Profile picture: Van Zyl, Ms A M

Van Zyl, Ms A M to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What (a) are the details of her department’s community outreach projects and plans to spay and/or neuter and provide general care of animals in communities in each (i) province, (ii) municipality and (ii) town and (b) is the (i) time frame and (ii) frequency in each case; (2) whether she will furnish Ms A M van Zyl with a list of state veterinarians for each (a) province, (b) municipality and (c) town; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether the programme reaches every community in the Republic; if not, (a) why not and (b) what steps will she take to ensure that the programme reaches into every community?

Reply:

(1)(a)(i),(ii) The Department has a Primary Animal Health Care (PAHC) Strategy which was developed in 2013 for the implementation of primary animal health care services across the country.

The aim of the Animal Health Care Strategy is to provide veterinary services, especially to resource-poor communities of South Africa thus improving the livelihood and Animal Health.

Objectives:

  • To promote accessibility is main element of the PAHC thus ensuring that veterinary services are rendered to the rural and peri-urban areas where the most needy and vulnerable groups of the population live.
  • To promote community participation by meaningful involvement of the community in planning, implementing and maintaining veterinary services.
  • To promote veterinary extension services by providing adequate training to communities on prevention and control of endemic animal diseases.
  • To use appropriate technology that is scientifically sound, adaptable to local needs, and acceptable to those who apply it and for whom it is used.
  • To facilitate inter-sectoral collaboration to improve animal health services and strengthen vertical linkages within government and horizontal linkages at national, provincial, district and municipal levels.

The Strategy also gives effect to the implementation of a Compulsory Community Service (CCS) programme for veterinarians in South Africa.

The CCS programme requires newly qualified veterinarians and those registering with the South African Veterinary Council for the first time to practice as veterinarians in South Africa, to perform a Compulsory Community Service under the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), in line with the provisions of the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act No 19 of 1982. The veterinarians are employed by DALRRD for a period of 12 months and distributed across all provinces.

The CCS programme, in addition to implementing the objectives under primary animal health care, also aims to address the skewed distribution of veterinarians across the country, which has resulted in poor accessibility of veterinary services to under-served and resource-poor areas. The programme also aims to distribute the veterinary profession equitably and provide an opportunity for newly qualified veterinarians to develop their knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The CCS veterinarians provide the following services:

    • Primary animal health care including sterilization (spay and neuter) and vaccination campaigns;
    • Herd health management;
    • Disease surveillance and control;
    • Extension services and awareness;
    • Clinical veterinary services;
    • Imports and export facilitation;
    • Veterinary diagnostics services (laboratories);
    • Regulatory services; and
    • Veterinary Public Health.

(b)(i),(ii) The CCS veterinarians are employed for a period of 12 months and provide the above-mentioned services daily.

(2)(a),(b) Please refer to Annexure A.

3. No.

a) The allocation of CCS veterinarians depends on the number of veterinarians entering the CCS programme in a particular year. The DALRRD allocates the veterinarians based on the requests by provinces and the total number available, this therefore means that the distribution differs from year to year and there may be years in which there is a shortage to cover all areas in the country.

b) The programme is dependent on the total number of available CCS veterinarians entering the programme every year, and this dependency is outside the control of the Department. However, it should be noted that provinces, in addition to the CCS programmes, operate various primary animal health care programmes such as spays and neutering, depending on their capacities.

20 December 2023 - NW4013

Profile picture: Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN

Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether her department has (a) drilled and/or (b) maintained any boreholes since 1 January 2023 in each province; if not, why not; if so, what (i) total number of boreholes were drilled and/or maintained during the specified period and (ii) was the total cost in each case; (2) whether water was found at each specified borehole; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further, relevant details?

Reply:

(1)(a),(b),(i),(ii) and (2) Please refer to Annexure A.

Province

(a) Boreholes Drilled

(b)

Boreholes Maintained

Reasons for not drilling/ Maintaining

(i)

Total Number of Boreholes Drilled

(i)

Total Number of Boreholes Maintained

(ii)

Total Cost of Drilling (ZAR)

(ii)

Total Cost of Maintenance (ZAR)

Borehole Identification

Water Discovery

Details if Water Not Found

Additional Relevant Details

Eastern Cape

0

0

The province is planning to drill and maintain 5 boreholes in the 2024/ 2025 financial year.

0

0

R0

R0

0

0

0

A detailed investigation is to be conducted within the community and drilling of boreholes be done at locations where enough underground water is found and pipelines to be used to transfer the water closer to where it is needed. The aquafer in the area does not deliver enough water and is not sustainable; the indicated area is restricted. Existing boreholes are rehabilitated to establish the yield and to determine if a new borehole is required.

Free State

55

32

N/A

55

32

R5,5m

R1,1m

87

54

33

 

Gauteng

24

0

N/A

24

0

R6,8m

R0

24

24

0

 

KwaZulu Natal

6

1

N/A

6

1

R0,6m

R0,03m

7

4

3

 

Limpopo

0

0

There was no target set for borehole projects in the 2023/ 2024 financial year. The province has been granted approval of R3 520 000 for drilling of 11 boreholes for the 2024/ 2025 financial year.

0

0

R0

R0

0

0

0

 

Mpumalanga

0

0

The province is planning to drill boreholes in projects that are being implemented such as Malelane/Nkomati Farmer Production Support Unit (FPSU) and Red Meat value chain projects, if necessary after a feasibility study has been concluded.

0

0

R0

R0

0

0

0

 

North West

7

0

N/A

7

0

R1,8m

R0

7

6

1

 

Northern Cape

2

0

N/A

2

0

R0,7m

R0

2

2

0

 

Western Cape

0

0

The province is planning to drill 7 boreholes and maintain 4 boreholes in the 2024/ 2025 financial year.

0

0

R0

R0

0

0

0

 

Totals

94

33

 

94

33

R15,5m

R1,1m

127

90

37

 

13 December 2023 - NW3995

Profile picture: Mbabama, Ms TM

Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What is delaying the finalisation of the Kramer Family restitution claim that was submitted 27 years ago, considering that the Kramer Family responded to the Mayecon Report within the legal timeframe with evidence to support their dispute, and that all the necessary documentation have been submitted to the Land Claims Commission?

Reply:

The family initially disputed the outcome of the investigation that was conducted by MayeCon and raised dissatisfaction on the extent of the land. A mapping exercise was then conducted by the National Geo-Spatial and Information (NGI) to determine the extent of the land in support of the investigation report. Thereafter the family consented to the outcome of the mapping exercise and this resulted in the gazetting of the claim.

The claim has since been published in Government Gazette No. 4044 on10 November 2023 and in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994, a 90-day period is provided for submission of objections to the claim by any interested parties. Thereafter, the claim will be processed further towards finalisation.

The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights through the Office of the Regional Land Claims Commissioner in Eastern Cape is currently serving the affected landowners with the Gazette Notice.

It is important to note that the delay in the finalisation of the claim was caused by the Community’s disagreement on the extent of the rights lost.

--END--

13 December 2023 - NW2654

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

With reference to her reply to question 15 on 4 May 2023, what (a) is the (i) name of each farm, (ii) exact area where each farm is located, (iii) name of the previous owner/leasee of each farm and (iv) lease payment for each farm and (b) are the details of (i) fixed and any other movable assets bought and (ii) the cost at which the assets were bought; (2) whether the specified farms are productive; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the current use of each farm, including the produce that is being carried out on each farm; (3) whether any blended finance is being considered; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the relevant details of the blended finance, (b) is the name of each beneficiary and (c) are the details as reasons for the Development Bank of Southern Africa’s involvement and cost set aside for their project execution?

Reply:

(a) (i),(ii),(iii),(iv) Please refer to Annexure A.

(b) (i) None.

(ii) Falls away.

2. The status quo remains the same; production at these farms is not at an expected level. The Department through existing producer support initiatives including infrastructure support intends, over time, to assist to improve productivity levels.

3. Yes. Blended Finance Scheme (BFS) is a funding instrument open for consideration. However, applicants must meet the set qualifying criteria in order to be granted the loan potion of the scheme. The current productivity levels on these properties dictate that the initial development support be mainly through conditional grants (BFS preparatory phase) and only when these farms are bankable, can Blended Finance Scheme be utilised.

(a),(b),(c) Falls away.

13 December 2023 - NW3530

Profile picture: Ceza, Mr K

Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether she has taken action in providing clarity on the eviction notices relating to case numbers 1332/15 and 69085/2013 and the original land claim 1998-2014 by the Motha family who between 1930 and 1945 lived in Sycamore/Elandhoek 339JT, Arlie/Rietspruit 473JT, Hemlock/Vlakplaats 476JT and Watal/ Dooringhoek 341JT in Mpumalanga, as the Emakhazeni Local Municipality in collaboration with farm owner sought to evict the community of Sycamore farm and intimidated them to sign attendance registers in contravention of the provisions of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, Act 19 of 1998; 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) provided clarity on the eviction notices relating to case numbers 13432/2015 and 69085/2013.

DALRRD was required in terms of a court order to provide land for purposes of accommodating individuals evicted from the farms. DALRRD appointed Advocate Lucky Makomati Zwane of the Mpumalanga Bar to represent the interests of DALRRD in the matter, and Mr K Baloyi of Lingenfilger Baloyi Inc was appointed to provide legal representation to the occupiers.

Regarding the order against the Department to provide land to accommodate the evicted persons, DALRRD advised that as per application from the Emakhazeni local municipality, DALRRD had already acquired various farms and transferred them directly to the local municipality for the same purposes in the past and the land is still available and unoccupied.

Regarding the matter of the Motha Family, DALRRD conducted a land rights enquiry and discovered that the Motha family was evicted by court order in the year 1998. They are currently staying at Waterval Boven in the EMakhazeni Local Municipality. However, the Motha family is a former occupier who still has the right to security of tenure in terms of section 6(2)(a) read with section 4 of the Extension of Security of Tenure Act No. 62 of 1997.

DALRRD has no evidence of a land claim lodged by the Motha Family on the three farms.

13 December 2023 - NW3735

Profile picture: Sonti, Ms NP

Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What measures are in place to (a) protect small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises and (b) encourage entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector?

Reply:

a) To protect small- and medium-sized agricultural enterprises, the Competition Act No. 89 of 1998 was promulgated for the establishment of a Competition Commission responsible for the investigation, control and evaluation of restrictive practices, abuse of dominant position and mergers. This law prohibits anti-competitive agreements between businesses and the abuse of a dominant position by a business. Businesses that infringe competition laws may face substantial financial penalties up to ten percent of their worldwide turnover. The Competition Commission is a statutory body responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act.

b) Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMMEs) were elevated to a degree of strategic relevance in South Africa for the first time thanks to the 1995 White Paper on the National Strategy for the development and promotion of small business. It lists several obstacles that small businesses must overcome, including those related to the legal and regulatory framework, market accessibility, financing availability, availability of non-financial support services, skill and managerial expertise acquisition, access to suitable technology, tax burden, information, and availability of high-quality business infrastructure in impoverished areas or poverty nodes. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) provides the SMMEs with both financial and non-financial support as follows:

  • Provide support with technical and soft skills development.
  • Business Plans development.
  • Through partnerships, agricultural enterprises participate in the study groups facilitated by Provincial Departments of Agriculture.
  • Financial support though procurement of production inputs, equipment and soft infrastructure to build up the equity of the business.
  • Assist farmers to identify markets in their locality to reduce transportation costs.
  • Through Provincial Departments of Agriculture, farmers participate in pop-up markets to stimulate the sale drive.
  • Monitoring and evaluation of the approved plans and provide recommendations for improvement.

DALRRD develops policies, procedures and guidelines to support agricultural and non-agricultural enterprises at provincial level.

DALRRD offers capacity-building workshops in marketing for smallholder farmers. These workshops equip farmers with knowledge about how markets operate. The programme also includes physical market exposure, where farmers are taken to the markets and provided with information by market operators on how the markets function. DALRRD provides access to daily fresh produce market prices via a web-based system called the Market Information System. These prices are collected from all national fresh produce markets and displayed on the system, making it easy for farmers to access information on prevailing market prices for various products they wish to sell.

DALRRD offers various support programmes. These include the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), Ilima Letsema, and the Farmer Production Support Units (FPSUs), which provide support in the form of mechanisation, seeds, fertilizer, capacity building, and infrastructure.

CASP offers training and capacity-building programs to smallholder farmers through the Department. The programme aims to help smallholder farmers gain the necessary technical skills to become successful commercial farmers. All training interventions are based on the specific needs of each individual farmer.

DALRRD provides training to agricultural cooperatives to assist them in improving operational efficiencies and enhancing competitiveness using the Farm Together cooperative training programme. The programme addresses a wide range of skills that include among others governance in cooperatives, financial management, record keeping, markets and contract negotiations, agribusiness management, conflict resolution mechanisms, leadership skills, and compliance.

Training Programmes offered to beneficiaries are categorised as follows:

  • Production: (goat production, poultry production, crop production, animal production, maize production, livestock production, beef production, artificial insemination, hydroponics etc.)
  • Business and Entrepreneurship: (bookkeeping, business management, financial management, record keeping, marketing, new venture creation, farm management, veld management, SA GAP, access to funding, conflict management etc.)
  • Occupation Health and Safety: (Safe use of chemicals, animal health, fire management, biosecurity etc.)
  • Agro-Processing: (grain processing, value adding, packaging etc).

The land reform programmes are supported by various agrarian reform instruments to address both financial and technical support for different categories of producers to maintain and improve agricultural productivity and poverty alleviation. These programmes are:

  • Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme and Ilima/Letsema which are aimed at resourcing and equipping producers towards increased food production and other value chain activities.
  • Land Development Support which supports land reform acquired farms with infrastructure, farm machinery and equipment, production development/inputs, and provision of technical support including mentorship provided through Commodity Organizations.
  • Blended Finance Scheme which supports the commercialisation process.
  • SA-GAP Certification Programme assists farmers to meet minimum food safety and quality requirements and thus ease access to the market.
  • Collaborations with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), wherein the Department implements the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) Approach, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for the implementation of the Farmer Field Schools. Both interventions enhance the provision of extension services for small-scale farmers towards attaining sustainable food production and market access.
  • The skills assessment and mitigation thereof are implemented to attain sustainable growth and equitable participation in the sector. As part of comprehensive farmer support, the Department provides capacity development interventions that are focused on capacitating producers with requisite skills and mentorship based on their needs at a farm level. This capacity building assists farmers to optimise both production and marketing operations.
  • Presidential Employment Stimulus providing production inputs for the most vulnerable producers for household food security and self-employment.
  • Farmer Production Support Units provide a centralised service centre for producers to get production inputs, mechanisation, and technical support.
  • Land Care Programme to protect and preserve natural resources and create employment at the rural level.
  • Animal and Veld Management Programme to provide animal husbandry-related infrastructure like fencing, handling and dipping facilities, and livestock water including boreholes.
  • River Valley Catalytic Programme designed to revitalise irrigation schemes in our former homelands.
  • Micro Agricultural Finance Institute of South Africa provides affordable loans for producers.
  • National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) Programme targeting unemployed rural youth for skills and capacity building for sustainable opportunities in the agricultural sector.
  • Through the AgriBEE Fund entrepreneurship in agriculture is encouraged by making funds available to support enterprise development initiatives through the provision of value addition and agro-processing infrastructure.

13 December 2023 - NW3757

Profile picture: Matiase, Mr NS

Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What measures has her department put in place to employ persons who will service farmers that were left in the cold following the termination of Assistant Agricultural Practitioners’ contracts?

Reply:

The role of Assistant Agricultural Practitioners was to assist the current Extension Practitioners who are trained to provide technical assistance to farmers. As at April 2023 there were 2 077 Extension Practitioners employed across all provinces who are continuing with the frontline service of providing technical support to farmers.

The existing practitioners are also trained on new extension approaches such as the Smallholder Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP), Farmer Field School (FFS) and Commodity-Based Extension (CBEA) approaches to improve their efficiency when supporting farmers.

The Department will continue to implement the Extension Recovery Plan (ERP) which is part of the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP). The ERP funds are transferred to the Provincial Departments of Agriculture (PDAs) to support Extension and Advisory Services. As part of ERP, PDAs employ Extension Practitioners on contract. Currently, due to fiscal constraints, PDAs will continue to maintain the existing contracts and will only recruit if there is a vacancy.

13 December 2023 - NW3834

Profile picture: Marawu, Ms TL

Marawu, Ms TL to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether, in light of the undertaking by the former President, Mr J G Zuma, in his State of the Nation Address in 2015, any legislation has been developed to limit the sale of land to foreigners; if so, what are the relevant details; if not, (2) whether her department has considered to introduce legislation addressing limitations on foreign land ownership in light of the economic advantages non-South Africans have that drive South Africans out of the land and property market; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what total number of hectares of land has been sold to non-South Africans from 1 January 2015 to date; (4) what initiatives did her department specifically design to prioritise and/or protect the land rights of native South Africans who may be economically disadvantaged in the context of the acquisition of land by non-citizens?

Reply:

(1),(2) The regulation of land ownership by foreign nationals is being addressed through the Land Acquisition and Redistribution Bill that is being developed and should soon serve before Cabinet for permission to publish for public comment. Amongst others the Land Acquisition and Redistribution Bill seeks to provide for compulsory land ownership disclosures by race, gender and nationality. It will further require disclosures in terms of the size and use of the agricultural land; any real right registered against and licence allocated to the agricultural land, and any other information as may be prescribed.

(3) There is currently no provision in law to track the hectares of land acquired by non-South Africans. In terms of regulation 18 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937 (Act No.47 of 1937), the deeds registration system only keeps record of the names and identity numbers of registered owners of land and not their nationality, and for this reason it is not possible to identify any land that is registered in the names of non-South Africans. However, the proposed amendment in the Deeds Registries Amendment Bill provides for the inclusion of a regulation pertaining to the collection of personal information relating to race, gender, citizenship and nationality of land owners in South Africa, for statistical and land audit purposes only. This information will be captured into a register for official use, only by State departments in the national or provincial spheres of government.

(4) The Land Acquisition and Redistribution Bill will prioritise and/or protect the land rights of native South Africans who may be economically disadvantaged in the context of the acquisition of land by non-citizens. The 2020 Cabinet approved Beneficiary Selection and Land Allocation Policy defines the beneficiary selection criteria as well as priority beneficiaries of land reform.

13 December 2023 - NW3988

Profile picture: Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN

Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

(a) Which rural areas has she identified as priorities for rural development and (b) what prominent rural development projects are currently underway that are focused specifically on infrastructure development, considering that the National Development Plan and other development trajectories indicate the Republic’s ambitions to become a developmental state and noting that rural areas remain largely marginalised, with little or no infrastructure development, and high levels of pervasive poverty?

Reply:

a) The Department is focused on 44 district municipalities across all nine provinces in South Africa. The beneficiaries are rural households, communities living in villages and traditional authority areas, and agricultural farmers.

The Integrated Rural Development Sector Strategy (IRDSS) prioritises six pillars in implementing the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme through which the Department will co-ordinate, facilitate and implement catalytic projects to address the triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment in rural areas.

The objectives of the IRDSS are to:

  • Provide a guiding framework and principles for executing government’s vision, plans and budget relating to rural development and revitalisation of the rural economy through the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme and Rural Development Sector Plans.
  • Institutionalise rural development and strengthen intergovernmental relations at national, provincial, and local levels.
  • Facilitate implementation and co-ordination through the District Development Model (One Plan) with clear monitoring and reporting systems. One Comprehensive Rural Development Programme for each District.
  • Accelerate investment in, and maintenance of critical infrastructure: road, rail and port basic services, digital connectivity, education, health, and human settlement infrastructure to revitalise rural economic development and facilitate industrialisation, agricultural production, agro-processing, value chain management and access to markets.
  • Support integrated spatial planning, land use management and economic integration.

There are six (6) pillars in the Strategy for standardisation of the rural development mandate across all provinces and national sector departments.

Pillar 1: Infrastructure Development, Maintenance, and Investment

  • Increased infrastructure maintenance and investment in the following areas: Agriculture and Agro-processing, socio-economic, water and sanitation, energy and electricity, health, human settlements, and education (schools and TVET colleges), and police stations, thereby improving community access to basic municipal services.

Pillar 2: Economic Development Industrialisation and Job Creation

  • Industrialisation, Agro-processing, and Manufacturing.
  • Increased financial and non-financial support to the development of new and existing small, medium, and micro enterprises and cooperatives.
  • Accelerated job creation programmes such as EPWP and TREP to reduce high unemployment levels.

Pillar 3: Education and Skills Development

  • Increased training of rural learners and rural youth in line with the National Skills Development Strategy and the country’s required critical skills for the rural economy and to curb urban migration.
  • Massification of programmes such as National Rural Youth Services Corps (NARYSEC), Youth Employment Service (YES) and other sector specific skills development programmes.

Pillar 4: Provision of Basic Municipal Services

  • Increased access to potable water, electricity, roads, sanitation and refuse removal.
  • Prioritised Small-Town Regeneration Strategy and National Rural Safety Strategy.

Pillar 5: Land, Agrarian Reform and Tenure Security

  • Expanded irrigated agriculture and dry-land production for smallholder farmers.
  • Conferred tenure rights to land reform beneficiaries through an adopted approach that recognizes a diverse range of communal land and financial support.
  • Expedited establishment of Land and Agrarian Reform Agency.
  • Land Administration and recordal of communal areas.

Pillar 6: Social and Community Development

  • Empowered rural communities for active citizenry through social mobilisation initiatives.
  • Accelerated poverty alleviation programmes and initiatives.
  • Implemented social sector programmes to provide specialized social services (e.g. school nutrition and community-based care).
  • Accelerated registration of births and issuance of identity documents.
  • Creating safer communities through implementation of the National Rural Safety Strategy.

b) The Department has targeted to complete 63 infrastructure projects in the 2023/ 2024 financial year (please refer to Annexure A). Through the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) Programme, a total of 2 842 young people will be trained; 295 young people will be supported with business development and 485 young people will be linked to job opportunities.

ANNEXURE A TO NA-QUES 808 OF 2023

Rural Development 2023/ 2024 FY Projects

NO.

PROJECT NAME

PROVINCE

DISTRICT

LOCAL

VILLAGE

1

Construction of 14km fencing at Mvezo in King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality

Eastern Cape

OR Tambo

King Sabatha Dalindyebo

Mvezo

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

Equipping of boreholes at Kroonstad

Free State

Xhariep District Municipality

Mohokare LM

Kroonstad

3

Equipping of boreholes at Zastron

Free State

Xhariep District Municipality

Mohokare LM

Zastron

4

Equipping of boreholes at Springfontein

Free State

Xhariep District Municipality

Mohokare LM

Springfontein

5

Construction of 8km fencing handling facilities in Smithfield in Xhariep Municipality

Free State

Xhariep District Municipality

Mohokare LM

Smithfield

6

Refurbishment of 3 storey hall and 2 storey halls for Boiketlong Community Hall

Free State

Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality

Dihlabeng LM

Boiketlong

7

Construction of 35km fencing and Animal Handling Facility in Heilbron under Fezile Dabi Municipality

Free State

Fezile Dabi District Municipality

Ngwathe LM

Heilbron

           

8

Construction of Bekkersdal FPSU 20 x Production Tunnels

Gauteng

West Rand

Rand West City LM

Bekkersdal

9

Construction of Bekkersdal FPSU 800m2 Warehouse

Gauteng

West Rand

Rand West City LM

Bekkersdal

10

Construction of Carmel Estate FPSU 20 x Production Tunnels

Gauteng

West Rand

Mogale City LM

Carmel Estate

11

Construction of Tarlton FPSU 2,2km Asphalt Access Road

Gauteng

West Rand

Mogale City LM

Tarlton

12

Construction of Rust De Winter 80km, 6 Strand Barbed Wire Fence

Gauteng

Tshwane Metro

Tshwane Metro

Rust De Winter

13

Construction of 15 Cattle Handling Facilities at Rust De Winter

Gauteng

Tshwane Metro

Tshwane Metro

Rust De Winter

14

Equipping 23 Boreholes at Rust De Winter

Gauteng

Tshwane Metro

Tshwane Metro

Rust De Winter

           

15

Rehabilitation of 600 ha Mooi River irrigation scheme which comprises the 23 km long concrete canal that covers 14 blocks, 6 packing shed, 5 tractors shed

KwaZulu-Natal

Umzinyathi

Msinga

Muden & Kwanxamalala

16

Rehabilitation of 600 ha Mooi River irrigation scheme which comprises the 23 km long concrete canal that covers 14 blocks, 6 packing shed, 5 tractors shed

KwaZulu- Natal

Umzinyathi

Msinga

Muden & Kwanxamalala

17

Construction Tugela Ferry Block 6 which comprises 150 ha with pump station, main and infield pipeline, sprinklers, pack shed, tractor shed and rehabilitation work on block 1 up to block 7

KwaZulu-Natal

Umzinyathi

Msinga

Tugela Ferry

18

Construction Tugela Ferry Block 6 which comprises 150 ha with pump station, main and infield pipeline, sprinklers, pack shed, tractor shed and rehabilitation work on block 1 up to block 7

KwaZulu- Natal

Umzinyathi

Msinga

Tugela Ferry

19-22

Construction of 8 dip tanks in King Cetshwayo and Zululand District under livestock infrastructure phase 4

KwaZulu- Natal

King Cetshwayo and Zululand District

Nongoma, Pongolo, Lundi, Nkandla, Mlalazi, Mthonjaneni

Various Villages

23-26

Livestock infrastructure phase 4: King Cetshwayo, Ilembe and Zululand - 8 dam re-scooping project

KwaZulu- Natal

King Cetshwayo and Zululand District

Nongoma, Pongolo, Lundi, Nkandla, Mlalazi, Mthonjaneni

Various Villages

27-30

Construction of 12 dip tanks in iLembe Harry Gwala and uThukela District under livestock infrastructure phase 4

KwaZulu- Natal

Harry Gwala and uThukela District

Nkosazana Zuma, Buhlebezwe, Mzimkhulu

Various Villages

31

Construction of 15X25m shed to be used for as feed mixing facility with its associated work including drilling of boreholes to supply water to the shed and betterment of access road

KwaZulu- Natal

Harry Gwala

uMzimkhulu

St. Paul

32

Construction of two sales yard in Mandeni and Maphumulo, under livestock infrastructure phase 4

KwaZulu- Natal

iLembe

Mandeni & Maphumulo

Macambini/ Amatigulu & Ngcolosi

33

Construction of two sales yards in Mandeni and Maphumulo, under livestock infrastructure phase 4

KwaZulu- Natal

iLembe

Mandeni & Maphumulo

Macambini/ Amatigulu & Ngcolosi

34

Supply, erect 25 km 9 strand barbed wire for grazing camp in Mbizimbelwa grazing camp in Mandeni

KwaZulu- Natal

iLembe

Mandeni LM

Mbizimbelwa

35-39

Construction of 6 sugar cane FPSUs in Jozini, Qwabe, Sezela, Noordsburg and Matikulu which comprises of admin block, packhouse, tractor sheds, mechanical shed, chemical sheds, betterment of access road, provision of portable water and security fence with gourd house

KwaZulu- Natal

Umkhanyakude

Jozini

Jozini, Qwabe, Sezela, Noordsburg & Matikulu

 

 

 

 

 

 

40

Vleeschboom FPSU: Construction of phase two: construction of a chemical area, installation of burglar doors and windows, installation of a backup generator, storm water drainage, paving around the facility etc.

Limpopo

Sekhukhune

Makhuduthamaga

Vleeschboom

41

Bridges Moletjie Komape Bridges: Design and construction of a pedestrian and motorist bridge (design and construction)

Limpopo

Capricorn

Polokwane

Moletjie Komape

42

Lephalale Fencing: Supply, delivery, and installation of 54km fence for five farms in Waterberg district.

Limpopo

Waterberg

Lephalale

Lephalale

43

Tshiombo Fence: Erecting of fence around the nine earth dams for various irrigation schemes in Tshiombo

Limpopo

Vhembe

Thulamela

Tshiombo

 

 

 

 

 

 

44

Phase 2 Renovations of storage sheds and admin buildings in various villages for 22 small scale sugarcane growers’ farms within Malelane/ Nkomati

Mpumalanga

Ehlanzeni District Municipality

Nkomazi LM

Malelane/Nkomati

45

Erection of fencing- 10km Magogeni Village

Mpumalanga

Ehlanzeni District Municipality

Nkomazi LM

Magogeni

46

Erection of fence -10km Gomora Village

Mpumalanga

Ehlanzeni District Municipality

Nkomazi LM

Gomora Alnaagz

 

 

 

 

 

 

47

Plessis Vlakte FPSU: Construction of staff houses, office, boardroom, security office, storage shed, auction facility, fencing, water supply & renovation of shearing shed

Northern Cape

Pixley Ka Seme District Municipality

Renosterburg LM

Plessis Vlakte

48

Supply, delivery, and erection of 106km fencing at Heuningvlei

Northern Cape

John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality

Joe Morolong LM

Heuningvlei

49-53

Supply, delivery, and erection of 75km boundary fencing at 5 Farm: Nylon, Kelso, Clyde, Lurie & Maas.

Northern Cape

John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality

Joe Morolong LM

Nylon, Kelso, Clyde, Lurie & Maas.

54

Construction of 1mw Solar Plant for Onseepkans Irrigation Scheme (350ha)

Northern Cape

Namakwa District Municipality

Khai Ma LM

Onseepkans

55

Pella FPSU: Construction of staff houses, office, boardroom, security office, storage shed, retail facility, fencing & water supply

Northern Cape

Namakwa District Municipality

Khai Ma LM

Pella

 

 

 

 

 

 

56

Mooifontein FPSU: Construction of ablution facilities, fencing and guardhouse

North West

Ngaka Modiri Molema

Mahikeng

Mooifontein

57

Thulwe AVMP: Construction of a cattle handling facility, drilling of a borehole, spray race dipping facilities and drinking troughs

North West

Bojanala

Moretele

Thulwe

58

Jericho FPSU: Paving of FPSU access road ±0.6km

North West

Bojanala

Madibeng

Jericho

59

Makweleng FPSU: Paving of FPSU access road ±0,8km

North West

Bojanala

Moses Kotane

Makweleng

 

 

 

 

 

 

60

Construction of boundary fence for the support of the Nduli piggery (1,6km) in Ceres, Witzenberg Local Municipality, Cape Winelands District Municipality.

Western Cape

Cape Winelands District Municipality

Witzenberg LM

Nduli (Ceres)

61

Construction of boundary and inner fence in Saron (27km), Drakenstein Local Municipality Cape Winelands District Municipality.

Western Cape

Cape Winelands District Municipality

Drakenstein LM

Saron

62

The supply and installation of fencing at the municipal commonage in Swellendam (6.2km), Swellendam Local Municipality, Overberg District Municipality.

Western Cape

Overberg District Municipality

Swellendam LM

Swellendam

63

Supply and delivery of water tanks to small scale farmers in Graafwater, Cederberg Local Municipality, West Coast District Municipality.

Western Cape

West Coast District Municipality

Cederberg LM

Graafwater

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 December 2023 - NW4147

Profile picture: Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN

Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether her department has offered any (a) training and (b) support to (i) small-scale farmers and (ii) farmworkers to combat fires; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

a) Yes. Both the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the Provincial Department of Agriculture offer continuous training and awareness to small scale farmers on the following:

  • Basic Fire Management NQF 1;
  • Veldfire awareness and prevention;
  • National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998;
  • Structure of veldfires;
  • Basic veldfire behaviour;
  • Veldfire suppression tools and equipment;
  • Fine fuel suppression techniques and tactics; and
  • Fire line safety and special hazards.

DALRRD conducts public awareness and training as one of the preventative measures to prevent uncontrollable veldfires.

(b)(i) The Provincial Department of Agriculture has provided support to small scale farmers affected by veldfires with fodder from their fodder banks. In areas that have been identified as prone to veld fires, resource-poor farmers are assisted with the construction of fire breaks.

DALRRD encourages small scale farmers to adhere to the National Forest Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998) which is currently being reviewed through the formation, and being part of the Fire Protection Associations, creating and maintaining firebreaks as landowners, adhering to the fire danger index and being ready to fight fires in case they occur.

DALRRD disseminates early warning information in the form of advisories and daily extreme weather warnings as a preparedness measure to ensure effective response towards impending hazards including veldfires. Continuous early warnings on fire and strategies are issued to farming communities.

(ii) DALRRD is working with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment to capacitate and train farmworkers on how to create firebreaks and fight fires with the assistance of Working on Fire as well as established Fire Protection Associations in the provinces.

13 December 2023 - NW4148

Profile picture: Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN

Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether her department has put any measures in place to curb the effects of food insecurity in the rural areas of the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Yes. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is implementing the Agriculture Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) and the National Food and Nutrition Security Plan (NFNSP) to ensure that there are sector-wide comprehensive strategies to revitalize and bolster rural economies, improve food security as well as create sustainable jobs and economic opportunities. The plans seek to provide a sector blueprint to spearhead transformation and development under the following pillars:

  • Comprehensive support for farmers, extension services and agro-processors;
  • Ensuring food security, expanded production and employment creation;
  • Enabling market expansion, improving market access and trade facilitation;
  • Developing localised food, import replacement and expanded agro-processing exports;
  • Establish inclusive local food value chains to support access to nutritious and affordable food; and
  • Creating enabling infrastructure.

In support of the AAMP and the NFNSP, DALRRD continues to introduce and coordinate the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of other support and developmental instruments towards ensuring food security especially in rural areas. The NFNSP coordinates support initiatives of various government and non-government departments towards ensuring food security. DALRRD coordinates the NFNSP with other departments such as the Departments of Health, of Social Development, of Basic Education and of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.

Furthermore, DALRRD is collaborating and coordinating its efforts with other stakeholders (government departments, private sector, non-governmental organisations, producers, producer organisations, and civil society) towards building a resilient, just, inclusive and sustainable food system. The envisaged improved food system will ensure the inclusive involvement of different role players, sub-systems and activities in the production, storage, processing, distribution, consumption and disposal of food products.

The Department is also implementing the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES). The project is designed to support a spectrum of opportunities, focusing on job creation through public employment; job retention and direct support to sustain livelihood strategies for vulnerable communities. PES is a pioneer project implemented to support household and subsistence producers with agricultural production inputs. The support provided to PES beneficiaries enabled some to initiate food production projects like backyard gardens, small-scale poultry projects and livestock farming, while assisting other subsistence producers to sustain and increase their food production by supporting them with agricultural equipment, water tanks, and production inputs specific to the commodities they produce. The bulk of the supported producers reside in rural areas.

13 December 2023 - NW4000

Profile picture: Matiase, Mr NS

Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether she has found that all the adversities faced by her department lately, such as wheat yield shortages and the avian influenza, could have been avoided by retaining the large number of Assistant Agricultural Practitioners who were axed; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

No. Additional Assistant Agricultural Practitioners (AAPS) would not have played any significant role in preventing the outbreak of diseases as their role would have been to provide agricultural extension services and not necessarily biosecurity; which is performed by the Animal Health Technicians. They were also not involved in the advisory services to produce wheat which is a highly mechanized operation. Most wheat producers are commercial farmers and the target clientele for the Assistant Agricultural Practitioners were households, subsistence and small holder farmers /producers.

Possible follow up question.

Is the department going to re-hire the AAPs?

Response:

If the National Treasury allocates the department with its provincial departments of agriculture an MTEF funding for their recruitment, the department will assist the Provincial Departments of Agriculture in resuscitating their recruitment process at the provincial level.

13 December 2023 - NW4012

Profile picture: Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN

Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether her department has conducted any investigation into the (a) alleged abuse and (b) dire living conditions of farmworkers in the 2022-23 financial year; if not, why not, in each case; if so, (i) how often were the specified investigations conducted, (ii) what were the findings of each investigation and (iii) what are the further, relevant details in this regard?

Reply:

(a),(b) No. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has no mandate towards farmworkers’ living conditions. DALRRD is responsible for the provision of long-term security of tenure in terms of Extension of Security of Tenure Act, 1997 (Act No. 62 of 1997) (ESTA) and Land Reform Labour Tenants Act, 1996 (Act No.3 of 1996).

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

13 December 2023 - NW4097

Profile picture: Ceza, Mr K

Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether, in light of the statistical information on the outstanding settlement of land claims as at 30 November 2022, which indicates a high number of outstanding claims in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, she can furnish Mr K Ceza with the (a) full details of the 1 565 outstanding claims, including (b) locations of the land that is being claimed and (c) names of the claimants?

Reply:

(a)(b) Please refer to Annexure A for KwaZulu-Natal and to Annexure B for Mpumalanga.

(c) In line with the provisions of Section 23 (4)(a) of the Protection Of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act No.4 of 2013) (POPIA), the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights is restricted from releasing personal information of third parties.

---END---

13 December 2023 - NW4098

Profile picture: Ceza, Mr K

Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What are the relevant details of the land claim case (a) by the Motha family in Sycamore and/or Elandshoek 339JT and (b) in Sycamore Farm 340JT in Schoonspruit in Emakhazeni Local Municipality wherein only six people are recorded as claimants?

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development through the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights does not have a record of land claim lodged by Motha family. A claim form or any confirmatory documents from the family would assist in confirming the status.

END

07 December 2023 - NW3460

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether a certain person (name furnished), who has been appointed to the board of Onderstepoort Biological Products, has been cleared of any past wrongdoing at the SA Weather Services; if not, how was the specified person appointed to the board; if so, (2) whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with proof thereof; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. Appointment of the Board of Directors of the Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) follows a call for nominations, assessment of nominees by the appointed selection committee and shortlisting of nominees who best meet the criteria. The call for nominations advert also specified the requirement for nominees to be fit for appointment as board members. OBP will be requested to conduct personnel suitability checks on all appointees.

The notice inviting nominations specified that personnel suitability checks will be conducted on suitable candidates.

The appointment letters of the new members stated that their appointments were subject to a personnel suitability process.

2. No. There is no record of an investigation at the instance of SA Weather Services into the specified person.

05 December 2023 - NW3460

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether a certain person (name furnished), who has been appointed to the board of Onderstepoort Biological Products, has been cleared of any past wrongdoing at the SA Weather Services; if not, how was the specified person appointed to the board; if so, (2) whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with proof thereof; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. Appointment of the Board of Directors of the Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) follows a call for nominations, assessment of nominees by the appointed selection committee and shortlisting of nominees who best meet the criteria. The call for nominations advert also specified the requirement for nominees to be fit for appointment as board members. OBP will be requested to conduct personnel suitability checks on all appointees.

The notice inviting nominations specified that personnel suitability checks will be conducted on suitable candidates.

The appointment letters of the new members stated that their appointments were subject to a personnel suitability process.

2. No. There is no record of an investigation at the instance of SA Weather Services into the specified person.

04 December 2023 - NW3756

Profile picture: Matiase, Mr NS

Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What intervening steps has her department taken to close the huge gap between smallholder and commercial farmers in terms of access to technical skills and advice in the past three financial years?

Reply:

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, through its Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) provides training and capacity building programmes to smallholder farmers. One of the objectives of this programme is to assist smallholder farmers to acquire relevant technical skills to become commercial farmers. All the training interventions are needs based.

Total beneficiaries who received training through CASP during the past three financial years (2020/21 – 2022/23) is 50 985. In summary, various training programmes offered to these beneficiaries are categorised as follows:

  • Production: goat, poultry, crop, animal, maize, livestock and beef production, artificial insemination, hydroponics etc.;
  • Business and Entrepreneurship: book keeping, business management, financial management, record keeping, marketing, wew venture creation, farm management, veld management, South African Good Agricultural Practice, access to funding, conflict management etc.;
  • Occupational Health and Safety: safety use of chemicals, animal health, fire management, biosecurity etc.; and
  • Agro – Processing: grain processing, value adding, packaging etc..

24 November 2023 - NW2930

Profile picture: Mbabama, Ms TM

Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

(1) Whether she has found that the Magwa and Majola Tea Estates in Lusikisiki and Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape have reached operational sustainability; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what total number of local persons does each specified estate employ?

Reply:

1.  Agriculture in the Eastern Cape Province to which these entities fall. The national government is interested in the functioning and performance of these entities because they contribute to the agricultural economy, rural development and livelihoods.

From the responses of the province and our own assessment, we cannot say the two entities have reached optimal sustainability.

According to the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture, No. Magwa-Majola Tea Estate has not reached operational sustainability currently, however great strides have been made in turning the entity around since the Business Rescue Exit (16 February 2016 to 4 June 2019). The COVID-19 pandemic, falling tea prices, increased import of cheap tea’s and the Russia and Ukraine conflict-induced supply chain disruptions resulted in high import and export inflation.

The geo-political instability and recession in countries such as Egypt, Pakistan and other former Soviet Union countries has resulted in tea from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania being redirected to South Africa creating a highly competitive trading environment. Production efficiency increased over the year by 206% from 19KG (2019/20) to 59KG (2022/23). This is how we understand the operation and use of data in our planning and decision-making process.

The Board and Management of Magwa Enterprise Tea (MET) met on 7 June to review all current and previous plans and strategies with the aim of developing a more implementable and realistic turnaround strategy that will lead to a self-sustaining tea business. This process is continuing with the view of presenting a final strategy with short, medium, and long-term goals. The focus of the company and its turnaround strategy is as follows:

  • Change of business model from bulk to teabag revenue; streamlining product portfolio and developing a focused channel strategy.
  • Factory and machinery upgrade.
  • Food safety certification.
  • Plant restoration.
  • Crop and revenue diversification.
  • Stakeholder management and resolution of land ownership.
  • A circular economy: organic fertiliser, change from coal to wood briquettes for factory boiler.

MET is a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) and it would be beneficial for state facilities (government offices, prisons, hospitals, and municipalities) to consume only Magwa-Majola tea brands rather than tea manufactured by companies competing with MET.

Progress is being made on the following:

  • Mechanisation (motorised tea harvesting equipment), 30% of the estate harvesting will be mechanised while 70% remains manual – also creating new job opportunities for youth in engineering and mechanics; increased production and revenue and profitability while cost per KG is decreased. The change in the operating model will see 1494 jobs in the field of operations being maintained and sustained. The project costing and roll-out programme are being finalised and await funding. The entity will break even in the second year after the implementation of the tea harvesting machine.
  • Diversification programme to de-risk the entity’s dependency on a single commodity - Forestry Enterprise Development Agreement under review by the Board; Bee-hive keeping and Biotech flu-vaccine for broiler chicken from green tea extract. These are highly profitable and sustainable programmes.
  • Land tenure resolution - Land settlement agreement for Location 32 Lambasi also known as Magwa owned by the former Department of Land Affairs has been agreed to be handed over to the claimants; the agreement was signed by former Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs: Ms L Xingwana on 18 November 2006; however, the transfer of ownership and title deed is outstanding to-date. MET together with the Office of the Premier and Mr Zama Memela of the Land Claims Commission to resolve the transfer.

2. MET Management Response:

Both Magwa and Majola employment statistics:

Financial period

2019/20

2020/21

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

Permanent

647

481

474

452

365

Seasonal

1032

847

506

296

152

Total

1679

1328

980

748

517

24 November 2023 - NW3462

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What are the details of (a) livestock and (b) animal products that have been (i) exported to and (ii) imported from the neighbouring countries in the Southern African Development Community such as Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, and Lesotho since the outbreak of the Foot-and-Mouth disease in 2019 and the recent outbreak in 2022?

Reply:

(a)-(b)(i) All neighbouring countries suspended trade of live cloven-hoofed animals from South Africa when the 2019 Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak was reported and the Republic of South Africa (RSA) lost its Free Status with the World Organisation for Animal Health, therefore no livestock has been exported since 2019, nor are there any official records of exported products.

(ii) The following import permits have been issued from listed countries per listed commodity.

Country

Beef

Livestock

Other

Botswana

471

10611

3305

Lesotho

0

1131

2373

Eswatini

6

52

280

Namibia

117

18909

12837

Master permits have been issued for beef imports and in-transit shipments from both Namibia and Botswana.

This also includes "biltong/meat permits for personal use" and permits for hunting trophies in transit.

24 November 2023 - NW3721

Profile picture: Breedt, Ms T

Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

(a) What progress has been made with the development and/or acceptance of an effective avian flu vaccine, (b) how will the private sector be involved in the (i) development and (ii) roll-out of such a vaccine and (c) what are the projected time frames; (2) whether she will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

(1)(a) The Department has received applications from two companies to consider registering avian influenza vaccines. To date three vaccines have been registered.

(b)(i) The development and distribution of vaccines is by the private pharmaceutical companies.

(ii) The poultry industry has been consulted on the use of the vaccines and is continuously being engaged on the use and monitoring of the vaccines in the roll out process.

(c) Currently the Department is still engaging with the poultry industry regarding the vaccination protocol. We anticipate that the consultation will be completed very soon; thereafter the vaccination will commence.

(2) No.

24 November 2023 - NW3932

Profile picture: Bagraim, Mr M

Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether (a) she, (b) the Deputy Ministers and (c) any other official in her department attended the Rugby World Cup final in France in October 2023; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, what (i) are the relevant details of each person in her department who attended the Rugby World Cup, (ii) is the total number of such persons and (iii) were the total costs of (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation and (cc) any other related costs that were incurred by her department as a result of the trip(s)?

Reply:

(a)(b),(c) No.

(i)(ii),(iii),(aa),(bb),(cc) Falls away.

24 November 2023 - NW3323

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether Botswana is currently exporting (a) cattle and (b) beef to the Republic despite the recent outbreak of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease in the specified country; if not, what is the position in this regard, if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what are the reasons that the Republic is facing challenges in exporting to the specified country if the country can export its beef and animal products to the Republic in the context of both countries having experienced incidents of the specified disease?

Reply:

(1)(a),(b) Yes. South Africa still imports cattle and beef from zones in Botswana that are recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE). Botswana had 6 zones which are recognised by WOAH as free from FMD without vaccination. These zones are separated by fencing and managed separately with very strict movement control between zones, to maintain their free status; as a result, if there is an outbreak in one zone, it does not affect the other zones.

Botswana reported incursion of buffalo in their disease control zones 3b, 3c and 6a in September 2023 which they suspect broke from Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. These three zones were immediately placed under quarantine. Some buffalo were destroyed and samples collected while some were moved to the Chobe National Park in Botswana. Some of the samples collected tested positive for a SAT 1. Botswana has suspended movements of cloven hooved animals in their zones 5 and 8, and exports suspended.

(2) South Africa lost its WOAH recognised FMD free zone without vaccination status in 2019, with the first outbreak of FMD. South Africa experienced additional FMD outbreaks between 2020 and 2022 which included additional provinces. South Africa has been unable to regain its free zone status to date. Therefore, the whole of South Africa is considered FMD infected, for the purposes of international trade, until South Africa is able to submit documentary evidence to WOAH that South Africa has achieved compliance with the international standards required for a zone to be recognised as FMD free. South Africa could export beef, which has been deboned and matured to deactivate the FMD virus, to Botswana under the authority of a veterinary import permit. Cattle and bone-in or unmatured beef cannot be exported to Botswana.

https://www.woah.org/app/uploads/2023/05/fmd-world-eng.png

22 November 2023 - NW3820

Profile picture: Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN

Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What are the relevant details pertaining to the total number of (a) applications received and (b) successful land claims since the establishment of the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights under her department?

Reply:

a) The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights received over 80 000 claims by the 31st December 1998.

b) A total of 83 067 land claims have been settled since inception until 30 June 2023. The higher number of settlement is due to the counting of rights lost per claim as opposed to the number of claim forms lodged.

END

22 November 2023 - NW3764

Profile picture: Montwedi, Mr Mk

Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

(1)Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1195 on 4 May 2023 relating to the settlement of the Lower Zingcuka Land Restitution claim in terms of which she committed that the land claim will be settled by the third quarter of the 2023-24 financial year, the claim has been settled yet; if not, what is the current status of the claim; (2) whether she still maintains that the land claim will be settled during the current financial year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, by what date does she envisage to settle the specified claims?

Reply:

1. The processing of the Lower Zingcuka land claim is underway as per the commitment of May 2023. The settlement memorandum was supported by the Departments Quality Control Committee on 12/10/2023 and currently being processed for consideration by the relevant delegated authority.

2. Yes, we remain confident that the claim will be settled during the third quarter of the current financial year.

22 November 2023 - NW3435

Profile picture: Breedt, Ms T

Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether the process of drafting the proposed new Animal Welfare Act (AWA), has been put out to public tender; if not, who is drafting the new AWA; if so, (a) what progress has been made with the specified tender, (b) at what stage is the drafting of the new AWA and (c) what timeline does she envisage for the completion of the AWA, including the (i) completion of the drafting, (ii) public participation hearings, (iii) request for submissions thereon and (iv) submission to Cabinet; (2) whether she will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

1. No. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has recently added additional internal capacity in the form of 3 state veterinarians, who are currently handling the animal welfare portfolio; DALRRD will therefore not proceed with tenders for the drafting of the Animal Welfare Bill. The first draft is expected to be completed by March 2024 and the Bill will follow the normal legislation-making process including processing through the relevant Directors General Cluster System; conducting a Socio-Economic Impact Assessment; constitutional certification by the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor; obtaining Cabinet approval to gazette for public comments etc. Thereafter, once Cabinet approval is obtained for the submission of the Bill to Parliament, the Bill will be introduced, and the parliamentary process will apply, including further public participation to be conducted in accordance with the Rules of Parliament.

2.No.

10 November 2023 - NW2653

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

(a) What is the total number of farms that her department purchased under its (i) restitution and (ii) redistribution programmes in each district in each province since 1 January 2006 and (b) what (i) is the name of each farm, (ii) is the exact area where each farm is located, (iii) are the names of the previous and current owners or beneficiaries of each farm, (iv) is the price paid for each farm and (v) are the details of any movable assets (aa) bought and (bb) at what cost were the movable assets bought?

Reply:

a) (i) Restitution: 5 315.

(ii) Redistribution: 5 172.

(i) Restitution

In each province since 1 January 2006

Province

Total

Eastern Cape

115

Free State

55

Gauteng

57

KwaZulu Natal

899

Limpopo

1284

Mpumalanga

1225

North West

1479

Northern Cape

170

Western Cape

31

Grand Total

5315

In each district since 1 January 2006

District Municipality

Number of Properties

!Kheis

1

Amajuba

41

Amathole

18

Bedford

1

Bizana

2

Bojanala Platinum

777

Buffalo City Metro

5

Bushbuckridge

28

Capricorn

242

Capricorn and Waterberg

1

City of Tshwane Metro

73

Dlambe

1

Dr Kenneth Kaunda

145

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati

118

Ehlanzeni

559

Elliot

44

Ethekwini

5

Fezile Dabi

1

Frances Baard

29

Garden Route (Eden)

17

Gert Sibande

252

Grahamstown

1

Harry Gwala

18

Humansdorp

7

Ilembe

210

Inxuba Yethemba

1

John Taolo Gaetsewe

35

Kagisano-Molopo

1

Kai !Garib

1

King Cetshwayo

71

King Williams Town

9

Lejweleputswa

6

Lephalale

1

Mangaung Metro

13

Mopani

258

Mzinyathi

100

Namakwa

33

Ngaka Modiri Molema

394

Nkangala

300

Pixely Ka Seme

29

Polokwane

3

Ramotshere Moiloa

44

Sarah Baartman

19

Sedibeng

14

Sekhukhune

197

Sekhukhune and Waterberg

5

Tabankulu

1

Thabo Mofutsanyana

24

Ugu

64

Uitenhage

1

Umgungundlovu

106

Umkhanyakude

20

Umzimvubu

3

Uthukela

86

Vhembe

305

Waterberg

320

Waterberg and Capricorn

4

West Coast

14

West Rand

2

Xhariep

11

ZF Mgcawu

42

Zululand

178

OR Tambo

1

Amahlati

1

Emalahleni

2

Grand Total

5315

(ii) Redistribution

In each province since 1 January 2006

Province

Total

Eastern Cape

817

Free State

658

Gauteng

442

KwaZulu Natal

871

Limpopo

263

Mpumalanga

886

North West

678

Northern Cape

278

Western Cape

279

Grand Total

5172

In each district since 1 January 2006

District Municipality

Number of Properties

Alfred Nzo

22

Amajuba

115

Amathole

109

Bojanala Platinum

112

Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality

49

Cacadu

333

Cape Winelands

55

Capricorn

64

Central Karoo

30

Chris Hani

188

City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality

19

City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality

18

City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality

96

Dr Kenneth Kaunda

156

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati

188

Eden

108

Ehlanzeni

88

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

9

Fezile Dabi

91

Frances Baard

40

Gert Sibande

603

iLembe

13

Joe Gqabi

95

John Taolo Gaetsewe

22

Lejweleputswa

146

Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality

80

Mopani

38

Namakwa

62

Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality

10

Ngaka Modiri Molema

228

Nkangala

194

Overberg

15

Pixley ka Seme

66

Sarah Baartman

16

Sedibeng

157

Sekhukhune

17

Sisonke

68

Thabo Mofutsanyana

212

Ugu

16

uMgungundlovu

113

uMkhanyakude

18

uMzinyathi

75

uThukela

170

uThungulu

99

Vhembe

10

Waterberg

144

West Coast

54

West Rand

135

Xhariep

131

ZF Mgcawu

88

Zululand

187

Grand Total

5172

(b)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v)(aa)(bb).

Information regarding personal details of beneficiaries allocated in respect of part (a) above cannot be shared as it would contravene the provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act, Act No. 4 of 2013, which prescribes that the collection of personal information must be for a specifically defined, lawful purpose related to a function of the responsible party; the data subject must be aware of the purpose of collecting data and that the purpose for processing personal information must be clear.

10 November 2023 - NW2985

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with details relating to (a) the expenses incurred for each event during her engagements with the villagers of the Moletjie and Matlala in Polokwane, (b)(i) farming equipment given to small-scale farmers (ii) the criteria applied in the beneficiary selection process and (iii) any other relevant expenses incurred by her department during the visits, (c) how she plans to (i) collaborate with the SA Police Service to address the challenges of stock theft and (ii) address the lack of (aa) animal fencing and (bb) fences and camps for livestock that straddle the provincial roads and (d)(i) suppliers from whom her department procured the implements and the (ii) cost at which it was obtained; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(a) Please refer to Annexure A

(b)(i) The farmers were not given any equipment except for the 200 x 2 500 litres water tanks.

(ii) The process of selecting beneficiaries was done in two ways. One hundred (100) beneficiaries were food security/ subsistence/ backyard farmers identified by the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development through Matlala and Moletji service centres. The focus was on farmers producing at a small scale mainly for subsistence and have no access to water for their gardens. The other hundred (100) beneficiaries were indigent households who were identified by Moletji and Matlala Traditional Councils. The tanks will be used for rainwater harvesting.

(iii) Tents, podium, chairs and the sound system were hired, as well as catering for those who were in attendance.

(c)(i) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) participated in the establishment of the Rural Safety Strategy that is led by the South African Police services (SAPS) and remains an active member of the safety strategy established in line with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, under a visible policing programme which is currently implemented in terms of the Rural Safety Strategy. This is an integrated and multidisciplinary approach that aims to mobilize rural communities to create a safe, secure and crime free environment that is conducive to food security, prevention of stock theft as well as social and economic stability. Members of the SAPS stock theft unit have access to DALRRD’s animal identification system, this enables relevant SAPS members to monitor stock theft including verification of animal ownership and sale of animals at auctions.

(ii)(aa),(bb) The Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) provides for conditional grants to Provincial Departments of Agriculture (PDAs) which caters for animal fencing as part of animal production projects. Furthermore, the Department, through its collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) provides for agricultural infrastructure such as construct camps, fences etc on communal land to secure livestock in rural areas. However, this work is not exclusively the responsibility of DALRRD; there are other departments and agencies who also play a role in this area.

(d)(i) The supplier of the 200 water tanks is Manekwane Business Enterprise.

    (ii) R 800 000 for 200 water tanks at R 4 000.00 each.

 

ANNEXURE A TO NA-QUES 2985 OF 2023

a) Expenses incurred for each event during the ministers engagements with the villagers of Moletji and Matlala.

Date

Name of event

Purpose

No of persons

Expenditure

       

Item

Amount

11/04/2023

Career Guidance, Mahoai High School

Career Guidance

250 (Learners and Departmental Officials from DALRRD, PDARD, LEDET and Department of Education)

Marquee, structural engineering, etc.

R95 000

       

Artificial lawn, stage, sound, generator, public liability, etc.

R219 255

       

Catering for 250 people

R55 000

       

Service Fee

R20 613.75

       

Sub-Total

R389 868.75

11/04/2023

Minister’s visit to Kgoshi Matlala

Courtesy visit and listen to concerns raised by Kgoshi Matlala

Minister and Departmental Officials

None

13/04/2023

Minister visit to Kgoshi Moloto III

Courtesy visit and listen to concerns raised by Kgoshi Moloto III as the area is Minister’s constituency

Minister and Departmental Officials

None

14/04/2023

Tibane Shopping Centre Flea Market

Minister engages farmers and facilitate conversation between farmers and centre manager/shop owners

60 Exhibitors and Departmental Officials

Tent, gazebos, ablution, tables, chairs, generator, etc

Service fee

R58 607

R3 271.75

       

Catering 100 people

Service fee

R30 385.00

R1 696.25

       

Sound system

Service fee

R26 028.10

R1 453.03

       

Sub-Total

R121 441.13

17/04/2023

Farmers Day Moletji Moshate

Minister/departmental officials direct engagement with backyard farmers and handing over of water tanks

550 community members, including backyard farmers

Item

Amount

       

Catering 550 people

Service fee

R167 117.50

R9 329.38

       

Sound and podium

Service fee

R152 212.99

R 8 497.33

       

Marquee (incl. ablution, chairs, tables, stage, VIP tent, deco, generator, etc.)

Service fee

R734 256.10

R 40 990.03

       

Media (Radio)

Service fee

R69 010.00

R3 852.50

       

Sub-Total

R1 185 265.83

17/04/2023

Farmers Day Moletji Moshate

Procurement of 200 Water Tanks

 

200 water tanks

R800 000.00

GRAND TOTAL

R 2 496 575.71

10 November 2023 - NW2831

Profile picture: Kruger, Mr HC

Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

What is the comprehensive breakdown of the number of hectares of farmland destroyed by fires in each (a) province and (b) calendar month since 1 January 2020; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

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

 

2020/2021

(a)

(b)

PROVINCE

HECTARES

CALENDAR MONTH(S)

EC

4 046

Mid-June 2020 to early July 2020.

FS

100 000

October 2021.

GP

No Report

No Report.

KZN

52 088

Calendar month not specified.

LP

No Report

No Report.

MP

57 809

July to October.

NC

103 924

Calendar month not specified.

NW

No Report

No Report

WC

No Report

No Report

TOTAL

317867

 

2021/2022

EC

4046

June 2021 to July 2021.

FS

100 536

Calendar month not specified.

GP

No Report

No Report.

KZN

27 149

Calendar month not specified.

LP

No Report

No Report.

MP

489 929

July to October.

NC

752 871

Calendar month not specified.

NW

738 302

Calendar month not specified.

WC

No Report

No Report.

TOTAL

2 112 833

 

2022/2023

EC

No Report

No Report.

FS

76 943

Calendar month not specified.

GP

No Report

No Report.

KZN

14 535

Calendar month not specified.

LP

No Report

No Report.

MP

403 373

July to October.

NC

754 024

Calendar month not specified.

NW

483 453

Calendar month not specified.

WC

No Report

No Report.

TOTAL

1 732 328

 

2023

EC

10321

September.

FS

106 000

September.

GP

5 000

June to August.

KZN

12 332

September

LP

619

August.

MP

34 291

August.

NC

76 178

September.

NW

367 902

September.

WC

No Report

No Report.

TOTAL

612 643

 

10 November 2023 - NW2816

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Noting that based on the Auditor-General of South Africa 2019/2020 Annual Report, the Onderstepoort Biological Products Board requested that all tenders awarded in the preceding five financial years, including Good Manufacturing Practice, be investigated, what (a) is the status of the investigation into the specified companies and (b) are the full, relevant details pertaining to all the investigations that were done from 1 January 2019 to date?

Reply:

a) Onderstepoort Biological Products (SOC) Ltd met with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to submit information relating to the GMP construction facility contracts during 2022. After the initial meeting, OBP forwarded to the SIU information at its disposal. Interviews were conducted with senior OBP officials who were employed at OBP at the time of the procurement. No feedback has been received from the SIU since then.

b) Full details on the matter are as outlined above and there has been no development since that exchange of information.

10 November 2023 - NW2452

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

(1) Whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with the relevant details about the dysfunctional agri-parks regarding the (a) total amount spent on each dysfunctional agri-park project, (b) reasons for the failures, (c) actions taken against the implementors and (d) total number of jobs lost as a result of the failed projects; (2) whether her department intends to allocate additional money towards the projects; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. There are no dysfunctional Farmer Production Support Units (FPSUs). In the Free State the Springbokfontein Agri-Hub is experiencing conflict within the existing cooperative, which will be resolved by registering a new cooperative. This however does not indicate that the Agri-Hub is a failure or dysfunctional.

(a),(b),(c),(d) Falls away.

The Agri-parks programme is comprised of three legs, i.e, the Farmer Production Support Unit (FPSU), where mechanisation and production inputs are provided; the Agri-Hub where production is collated with a little bit of value addition; and Rural-Urban Markets where the produce is sold. Currently, the Department is implementing only the first leg of the programme, which is the Farmer Support Programme (FPSU). The diagram below depicts a typical Agri-park.

There are two (2) major components in the establishment of a Farmer Production Support Unit, (FPSU) namely: Infrastructure and Operations. The functionality of the FPSU is determined or defined by the FPSUs ability to provide any of the following to producers towards agricultural production and market access:

  • Governance structure;
  • Production inputs;
  • Mechanisation support;
  • Human resources support; and
  • Producer registration.

(2) Yes. Please refer to Annexure A.

31 October 2023 - NW3398

Profile picture: Ceza, Mr K

Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Whether she received any reports through the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities regarding the abuse of human rights in the farm areas of Emakhazeni Local Municipality, in Mpumalanga, where white farmers evict and deny burial rights of Africans on their farms; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of (a) this matter and (b) the interventions she has made in this regard?

Reply:

No. The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) did not receive any reports through the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities regarding the abuse of human rights. However, DALRRD received seven eviction cases and one denial of burial rights case in the areas of Emakhazeni Local Municipality, in Mpumalanga. All these cases were referred to Legal Aid SA who took over the legal representation for people faced with eviction and or land rights violations:

Property Description

Parties to the Dispute

Type of Land Rights Violations

Departmental Intervention

Winnarspoort 350 JT

Mxolisi Zulu vs Teal Trout cc

Eviction proceedings in Court.

Appointed legal representative through Land Rights Management Facility (LRMF).

Portion 2 of the farm De Roodekop 350 JS

Welhemina Nomsa Zimu vs Nico Snyman

Eviction proceedings in Court.

Appointed legal representative through Land Rights Management Facility (LRMF).

Portion 10 of the farm Leeuwbank 427 JS

Sindane vs EXARRO

Eviction proceedings in court.

Appointed legal representative through Land Rights Management Facility (LRMF).

Portion 11 of the farm Farrafontein 349 JT

Kgagare vs Grant Roberts

Constructive Eviction.

Appointed legal representative through Land Rights Management Facility (LRMF).

Portion 1, 5, 16 of the farm Schoongezicht 364 JT and portion 18 of the farm Rietvlei 375 JT

Shongwe Family vs Botha

Eviction proceedings in court.

Appointed legal representative through Land Rights Management Facility (LRMF).

Remaining Extent of Portion 4 & 20 of the farm Schoonspruit 342 JT and Portion 61 of the farm Geluk 348 JT

Timani cc vs Dorricca Mashigo

Eviction case.

Upon receipt of this matter, our internal investigation discovered that Remaining Extent of Portion 4 and Portion 20 of the farm Schoonspruit 342 JT are privately owned by Timani cc and Portion 61 of the farm Geluk 348 JT is state land administered by the National Department of Public Works. Further investigations indicatesthat there was an eviction court order dated 14 November 2014 and DALRRD together with Legal Aid South Africa (LASA) will further investigate this matter for legal representation if necessary.

Portion 16 of the farm Farrafontein 349 JT

Annah Mthombeni vs Tambolt Farm cc

Refusal/Denial of burial; Denial of access to farm; Access to drinking water.

Appointed legal representative through Land Rights Management Facility (LRMF).

31 October 2023 - NW3348

Profile picture: Schreiber, Dr LA

Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

With reference to the reply by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure to question 2672 on 22 September 2023, what are the relevant details of her department’s plans to address the status of the committee assigned to clarify and designate ownership of Farm 1331 in Pniel, which initially started in 1991 but stalled due to the passing of the chairperson of the land committee; (2) whether the committee is defunct; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (3) whether she will undertake to get the process moving again by constituting a new committee to resolve the issue and to ensure that the rightful owners of Farm 1331 are able to assume ownership and turn the land into productive use; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1) The Committee referred to was appointed by the Minister of Public Works in terms of the Land Titles Adjustments Act, 1979 (Act No. 68 of 1979) which has since been repealed and replaced with the Land Titles Adjustments Act, 1993 (Act No. 111 of 1993). In terms of the latter Act, the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development may appoint a title adjustment commissioner in respect of one or more pieces of designated land to deal with the land in accordance with the provisions of Act 111 of 1993. The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has no obligation to address the status of the committee established by the Minister of Public Works in terms of the now repealed Act.

(2),(3) Falls Away.

26 October 2023 - NW2805

Profile picture: Breedt, Ms T

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 - NW3173

Profile picture: Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN

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 - NW3191

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

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.

26 October 2023 - NW3192

Profile picture: Masipa, Mr NP

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.