A call was made at the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba to set aside ideological differences and unite black farmers with the aim of creating a prosperous future for young farmers. A panel discussion focusing on exploring the future of farmer development organisations in the country highlighted the importance of how divisions weaken black farmers and the sector.
On day two of the indaba at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, the president of the National African Farmers Union (Nafu) Motsepe Matlala called on organised agriculture leaders not to politicise the sector.
“If you are a politician, be a politician, if you are a farmer be a farmer; let us not mix the two. Farming is business and it needs to be treated as such,” he said.
‘Why are we fighting?’
Matlala said the disunity of the past among agricultural organisations needed to be dealt with if the country wanted to become food sustainable and groom young people.
“The fact is that our past cannot create a better future, dwelling on our pasts will bring nothing but more disunity,” he added.
Matlala said black organised agriculture had an important duty of nurturing young farmers to continue creating generational legacies.
“We have identified the problem, which is ideological differences. We should work towards finding solutions, disunity will only take us back,” he said.
Youth, claim your space now
South African Farmers Development Association (Safda) chief executive officer Dr Siyabonga Madlala told young people that the future of agriculture was in their hands.
“Young people need to wake up wherever they are sleeping. We need young people to take charge and bring those innovative ideas to the fore.
“We not only want young people to be on the ground working the land but also lead the very same organised agriculture organisations. Safda is being driven and led by young people, that is what is needed,” he said.
Meanwhile, Matlala said the time for talking was done and it was time to bring everyone under the roof and speak about how to make money.
“The future is youth, we have to invest our energies and time in grooming the young people. That is the only way this country will succeed,” he added.
Act now to develop expertise
Madlala urged older people to share knowledge and expertise with young people so that sharing of information does not die.
“Old people in organised agriculture need to mentor and give young people a space to lead, do not suppress young people, give them space and guide them,” he said.
However, the chief executive officer of the Black Agricultural Commodities Federation (BACF) said the formation of the organisation was aimed at giving highlights to commodities that were not being recognised.
“We should not be focusing on our differences but on how to develop our young people. Time is not on our side, we need to act now,” he said.
Head of grains at the African Farmers Association of South Africa (Afasa), Dr Sandile Ndlungwane, urged young people to take over the agriculture sector as it was the backbone of the economy.
“Unfortunately time is not for young people to be in the forefront, however, this coming month of June we will be having many events that are youth-centred,” he said.
ALSO READ: Support will build a more inclusive agri sector
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
