The full implementation of the agriculture, agro-processing, sugar and poultry master plans is critical, according to the portfolio committee on agriculture chairperson Dina Pule. She has called on the department of agriculture and the department of trade, industry and competition to work together to ensure the plans succeed.
In addressing the media in parliament this week, Pule said for the agriculture sector to create jobs and be sustainable, the plans which were drafted in the previous administration must see the light of day as they are critical to the growth and transformation of the sector.
Oversight committee’s concerns
“Although food security and safety are interdepartmental responsibilities, the committee is deeply concerned by recent cases of children’s deaths caused by pesticide contamination in food products purchased from spaza shops.
“The committee also expressed concern about the state of food insecurity in South Africa, as highlighted in reports from Statistics South Africa. Despite various government interventions, including conditional grants and the Presidential Employment Stimulus Initiative, individual and household food insecurity persists,” Pule said.
Related stories
- Food security is key to Mzansi’s stability, says Steenhuisen
- Steenhuisen calls for urgent action on public-private partnerships
- TLU SA: ‘Just because it’s DA doesn’t mean farmers approve’
Pule said the committee welcomed the ongoing review of the interdepartmental national food and nutrition security implementation plan, spearheaded by the department of agriculture.
She noted that the committee is strictly going to look at the findings of the auditor general which have gone unresolved by the department and some of its public entities.
“In the previous financial year, three entities received qualified audit opinions. Even unqualified opinions were accompanied by repeat findings, including non-compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), deficiencies in internal controls, unreliable performance reporting, [and] challenges with revenue management.
“The persistent lack of consequence management regarding irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure stemming from non-compliance with legislation remain significant issues of concern,” she said.
Clamping down on mismanagement
Pule said to ensure these issues are addressed and to strive for clean audits, the portfolio committee has recommended that the department and its entities report to the committee quarterly.
“The committee is particularly concerned about individuals implicated in financial mismanagement or fraudulent activities who resign to avoid accountability. Such cases have been reported by the department, the Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), and the National Agricultural Marketing Council.”
On farmer development, Pule said the committee received a briefing from the department on its progress in implementing farmer development and support programmes.
“The committee remains committed to enhancing food security, improving governance in the agricultural sector, and ensuring the timely enactment of necessary legislation to address the country’s agricultural and food security needs,” she said.
READ NEXT: Court slams municipality with R160m fine for polluting water
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain
