“Agriculture is the core of the rural economies in the Western Cape, and municipalities are dependent on the regional economic contribution of agriculture.”
It is for this reason, says Western Cape agriculture MEC Ivan Meyer, that he recently brought together leaders from local municipalities, farmers’ representatives, and provincial authorities.
The two-day summit his department had organised, focused on crucial matters such as land reform and rural safety, where the interests of food producers and municipalities overlap. Delegates also had the opportunity to share linkages and identify areas for closer cooperation between the agricultural sector and local authorities in the province.
“Effective local governments in the Western Cape are essential for sustainable economic growth in the province,” Meyer said, and added that agriculture is the most competitive sector of the economy in the province’s five rural districts. The sector also contributes to 14.4% of all jobs in the Western Cape.
Rural safety was of particular interest. “An attack on a farmer or agri worker and the theft of cables and irrigation pumps are attacks on our rural economy,” he said. “Under-resourced rural police stations leave communities particularly vulnerable. For this reason, I welcome the City of Cape Town’s offer to share some of its crime-fighting resources such as training, knowledge, and experience with rural municipalities. Innovation, partnerships, and collaboration are key to establishing an effective rural safety network.”
Delegates welcome the initiative
In a press release by the department, Agri Western Cape CEO Jannie Strydom says that the organisation “greatly appreciates” having been being part of the summit where municipalities and agriculture came together to confirm the critical role of agriculture in the province”.
Drakenstein deputy mayor Juben von Willingh highlighted that the two-day summit was of immense value to municipalities. “The summit was extremely valuable for us who find ourselves at the local government level. The discussion highlighted the critical importance of water and water security. Municipalities must adopt strategies to promote water security within their areas.”
Meyer emphasised the need for greater collaboration between local municipalities and the agriculture sector.
“Towns in our rural areas are dependent on agriculture. So, we must create a closer working relationship between municipalities and the agricultural sector for the future growth of towns in the Western Cape.
“This summit has achieved our objectives of creating an enabling environment for agriculture at the municipal level. I am thankful that we have functional and well-run municipalities in the Western Cape because this helps our farmers and producers.”
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