Chances are that political parties will once again use agriculture as a tool to woo voters as they plot and plan their way to the 2024 general elections.
Agricultural unions are calling on parties to, however, resist temptation and ask that farmers make the right choice as the election results will have implications on food production in the country and many issues prudent to rural South Africa.
While some farmers have mixed reactions on what the next elections could mean for agriculture, the president of the National African Farmers Union (Nafu), Motsepe Matlala, said it would be a turning point for the country, including farmers.
“The next elections are going to be evidence-based, simply because in 1994 we had hope. Now we are looking back and asking what has the government done for us?” Matlala said.
Taking stock
For agriculture, there is much to take into consideration and Matlala expects it to be the most contested election ever.
“Billions of rands have been spent to buy the land back for black farmers, but is there something to show for it?” asked Matlala.
Lee Hlubi, chairperson of the Black Agricultural Commodities Federation (BACF), said the election will influence the economic outlook of the agriculture sector.
“These elections are a turning point for the agriculture sector and the whole country’s economy. If we are to change course and achieve a different outcome, we need decisive leadership.
“The incoming government will have to be more decisive, act swiftly and be intentional if we are to emerge from this struggling economy,” Hlubi said.
Agriculture, a political tool
Agricultural unions fear that agriculture will be used as a political tool to win voters over. Matlala reckons this is bad political campaigning because agriculture contributes to the economy of the country, and is a critical sector for job creation.
“The moment we start racialising and politicising agriculture, we have lost the plot,” he said. “Campaigning on the race card without bringing tangible solutions for farmers on the table is basically dividing the nation.”
Matlala is concerned that farmers’ plights would be used as a way of campaigning for votes rather than politicians being genuine about reviving the sector.
Matlala said whether we like it or not, load shedding will be a political tool that many parties will use to garner votes.
“The 2024 elections should be about putting the right people in government in all spheres of government and in Parliament, not thieves. Failure to do so [could mean] a sector collapse right before our eyes,” he said.
Farmers express their hopes
Martin Rooi, a raisin farmer in Northern Cape, said he had last hope in politicians. Thirty years into democracy and there is still nothing to show for it and farmers are struggling more than before, Rooi told Food For Mzansi.
“I do not see any political party that will bring a difference in the agriculture sector. All the parties are after power and they do not care about the future of the agriculture sector.
“Things have been tough for farmers. It was not a good year for us, shortly after coming out of drought in Northern Cape, now we had to deal with load shedding.”
Although Rooi questions the need to vote, Wessels Wessels, a cattle farmer in Vrede, Free State, has called on farmers to go out in their numbers and vote.
“There is a big storm coming. South Africa will soon be on its knees if it does not deal with corruption, people will lose their jobs and that will lead to crime, more attacks on farms and a collapse of infrastructure,” Wessels said.
Prioritise investment
Saamtrek Saamwerk leader Sehularo Sehularo has called on political parties to outgrow finger-pointing and bring lasting solutions to the table.
“The next elections offer the incoming administration an opportunity to review the existing policy landscape of the farming sector and accelerate implementation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the president of the KwaZulu-Natal Centre for Rural Development, Gabby Malope pointed out that if the elected officials prioritise investments in agriculture and rural development, the agricultural sector could see a positive turnaround.
“This could include increased funding for research and development, improved access to financing and credit for farmers, and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture practices and improving market access for agricultural products,” she said.
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