The entire leadership of the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (Afasa) in the Western Cape has announced their resignation. Farmers who have led the association in the province for the past 10 years cite a lack of human capital and financial resources as key reasons for their decision to vacate office.
In an exclusive interview with Food For Mzansi, Afasa CEO Thandeka Mbassa, only confirmed the resignation of Elton Jefthas, the association’s chairperson in the Western Cape.
However, Food For Mzansi has since learned that the entire Afasa Western Cape cadre has decided to bow out.
According to Ismail Motala, Afasa Western Cape secretary, they have tried their best and it is with a heavy heart that leadership in the province steps down after 10 years of service.
“We have tried our best on behalf [of black farmers in the Western Cape], however our best was not good enough,” a disheartened Motala said.
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Reasons for stepping down
Explaining their reasons for stepping down, Motala blamed Afasa National for not having the human or financial resources to assist its provincial structures.
“In order to make a difference, black farmer organisations must understand the complexities of the agricultural economy of the Western Cape,” Motala said.
As full-time farmers themselves, the leadership of Afasa in the province were finding it very difficult to assist members with the kind of intensity it needs to make a real impact, he explained.
“If Afasa provincial structures are not supported by full-time human capacity, the responsibilities will depend on a few farmers to run the developmental agenda.”
‘Difficult to make a difference’
For the past 10 years, Motala said, they have tried their best to support black producers in the province and transform the agricultural economy of the Western Cape. “The Western Cape’s agricultural economy is the least transformed and the past decade has been difficult for us to make a difference.”
The outgoing members of Afasa Western Cape have vowed to assist the new leadership with a smooth handover.”We wish them all the best to transform this industry in this province,” Motala said.
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