In her 2024 Budget Speech, MEC Mase Manopole highlighted the Northern Cape department of agriculture, environmental affairs, rural development, and land reform’s critical role in advancing food security, rural development, and sustainable agriculture in the province.
The speech by Manopole emphasised the department’s efforts to contribute to the sustainable development goals by fostering an agricultural sector that promotes human development and environmental protection.
“Our mandate goes beyond supporting livestock breeding and crop growth. It’s about sustaining human beings who care about the food security of others,” she said.
Facing a challenging economic and fiscal landscape, the MEC acknowledged the global and national economic downturn, including a 9.7% decline in the agriculture sector, which has been affected by reduced production of crops and livestock. Despite these challenges, the MEC remained optimistic, citing a slight improvement in South Africa’s medium-term growth forecast.
Sustainable agriculture a priority
“Nevertheless, the picture is not all doom and gloom. The medium-term outlook has improved marginally, with an average growth of 1.6% forecast, compared with 1.4% which was estimated in 2023,” she said.
The speech outlined several key areas of focus, including job creation, food security, natural disasters, veterinary trade and exports, transformation and youth empowerment.
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Manopole called for inclusive economic development and sustainable agriculture practices to ensure a thriving future for the province.
“The budget will also focus on rural development, sustainable agriculture, and food security, addressing the province’s unique challenges, such as water scarcity and climate change,” Manopole said.
Additionally, Manopole revealed that the department is exploring a partnership with Land Bank to co-fund certain agricultural projects. A technical team has been set up between the department and Land Bank to finalise a memorandum of understanding (MoU), outlining cooperation and deliverable interventions to drive agricultural development in the province.
In her closing remarks, she highlighted the potential of the agricultural sector to boost the Northern Cape’s GDP, create employment, and improve livelihoods.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done,” she said, quoting Nelson Mandela to inspire action in overcoming the province’s challenges.
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