While the return of alcohol and tobacco products still has our beloved Mzansi in high spirits, Food For Mzansi is buzzing with excitement over the PMA Fresh Connections: Southern Africa virtual conference, kicking off later today.
Also, in parliament the portfolio committee on environment, forestry and fisheries will today workshop environmental legislation and policy. The Western Cape department of agriculture conducts a survey on crime in rural areas and the North West MEC for agriculture and rural development hands over food security projects in Ditsobotla Local Municipality.
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Healthy food hacks and virtual cooking fun with PMA
It’s here! The Fresh Connections: Southern Africa virtual conference kicks off at 17:00 this afternoon and the doctor is in. Join the PMA squad for a not-to-be-missed session with internationally renowned physician, scientist and author of New York Times Bestseller Eat To Beat Disease, Dr. William Li.
Among many other healthy food hacks and how-to’s, the good doctor will give attendees the scoop on immune-boosting additions and tweaks you can make to existing dishes on restaurant menus. The session, sponsored by Enza Zaden, will be moderated by Jaco Oosthuizen, vice chair of PMA Southern Africa and group chief executive officer of the RSA Group.
You will also learn how to cook a delicious meal packed with what your body needs to boost your immunity. The session will be lead by Retha Harmse, director and head clinical dietician for EBS Dieticians and Jolin Judd, founder and food specialist of Like A Chef.
If you do not want to miss out on any of the action there is still time for you to be a part of the action.
REGISTER NOW: Fresh Connections virtual conference
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DEFF workshop on legislation and policy
After a lengthy break, the portfolio committee on environment, forestry and fisheries is back in parliament. The national assembly will this morning start a workshop on the legislation and policy in the department. The gathering will take place virtually from 09:00 this morning until 12:00 midday, with sessions set for the entire week.
DEFF is mandated to give effect to the right of citizens to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being. In addition they have the responsibility to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations.
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Western Cape survey on crime in rural areas
In an effort to curb crime in rural areas, the Western Cape department of agriculture (WCDoA) is calling for participation in a provincial crime survey. The survey is to determine a baseline of crime in rural areas of the Western Cape Province.
WCDoA has appointed Optimal Agricultural Business Systems as development consultants to conduct the survey, which is expected to be completed by 30 October 2020.
The aim of this study is to build a base of sound evidence on which the rollout of a rural safety plan for the Western Cape can be devised. Both producers and agri workers are encouraged to participate in the survey, as this would assist the province in getting a more comprehensive and accurate survey finding.
The survey will close on Friday, 21 August for producers and on Friday, 28 August for agri workers. Links to the questionnaires below:
- Farmers: (English) crime survey producer questionnaire or (Afrikaans) misdaad opname produsente vraelys
- Farm workers: Farm worker survey or Plaaswerker opname
- Farm watches and security companies actively involved in crime prevention activities (English only): Farm watch survey
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Food security programme rollout in North West
Desbo Mohono, North West MEC for agriculture and rural development, will this morning hand over food security projects to indigent families in Biesiesvlei and Coligny at 10:00 today.
The projects are part of the department’s food security programme geared at reducing poverty, enhancing agricultural productivity, creating job opportunities, enhancing household income and advancing rural communities.
The MEC’s department is working together with the provincial department of social development, who identified families consisting of unemployed youth, women, and the vulnerable from the Ditsobotla Local Municipality.
The same programme will continue on Wednesday, 19 August 2020 in Coligny, where identified and deserving families will be receiving agricultural inputs to alleviate poverty.
