The fruit sector relies heavily on government intervention and support to overcome challenges such as market access, export growth, and transformation. CEO of Fruit SA, Fhumulani Ratshitanga, calls on various government leaders to provide decisive intervention and support to drive the fruit industry forward.
Role players look forward to developing the relationship between the fresh fruit industry and the government to a point where it is reciprocal, with collaboration as a key driver.
Hence, the industry welcomes the announcement of the new cabinet in the seventh administration and is ready to continue working closely with the relevant ministers over the next five years.
To varying degrees, these parliamentary portfolios hold significant relevance to the viability of the industry, and agriculture at large. Therefore, the industry congratulates these ministers in their respective portfolios:
- John Steenhuisen, minister of agriculture
- Mzwanele Nyhontso, minister of land reform and rural development
- Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, minister in the presidency, where coordination of relevant public enterprises will reside
- Dean Macpherson, minister of public works and infrastructure
- Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, minister of electricity and energy
- Velenkosini Hlabisa, minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs
- Senzo Mchunu, minister of police
- Pemmy Majodina, minister of water and sanitation
- Ronald Lamola, minister of international relations and cooperation
- Parks Tau, minister of trade, industry and competition
Market access and export growth
Market access and the resultant export of South African fruit are pivotal to the economic growth of the fresh fruit industry, as well as its ability to continue contributing to South Africa’s GDP. The export-oriented nature of this R63 billion industry dictates its reliance on effective negotiations with leaders in targeted global export markets.
These often-delicate negotiations are instrumental in gaining, retaining, and optimising access for South African fruit exports. However, they fall outside the industry’s mandate, necessitating decisive intervention and leadership from the government.
Importantly, sustainable market access also hinges on robust supply and value chains, both of which have direct links to specific ministerial portfolios.
Regarding transformation, one of the industry’s key priorities will be to ensure that emerging and previously disadvantaged individuals continue to participate meaningfully in the fruit value chain through focused support.
Naturally, the agriculture sector expects the related portfolio to play a pivotal role in overseeing matters that impact agriculture directly. The same applies to the rest of the referenced ministerial portfolios.
Related stories
- Ripe for change: Fruit SA sets juicy transformation goals
- A decade of excellence: Fruit SA marks 10th birthday in style
- Fruit SA CEO: ‘Being raised by teacher parents’
Challenges and future collaborations
The fruit industry looks forward to the ministries of the presidency, public works and infrastructure, and electricity and energy prioritising significant related challenges that have incurred acute financial losses. The land reform and rural development portfolio holds the hope of rational reform and much-needed development of our rural economies.
As for the cooperative governance and traditional affairs portfolio, it stands to play a significant role in ensuring the optimal functioning of municipalities. This is particularly important for rural communities where a large portion of the fruit industry’s workforce resides and where the root of its economic activity lies.
This brings to mind the ministry of police, which could be instrumental in ensuring critical rural security.
Striking a healthy balance between responsible water usage and its allocation within agriculture will require close collaboration between the sector and the ministry of water and sanitation.
Furthermore, the industry looks forward to partnering with the ministries of international relations and cooperation to help establish and grow vital international relations, and trade, industry and competition (DTIC) for the promotion of the industry in the global arena. The DTIC had previously funded South Africa’s participation at fresh produce trade shows, where vital in-person interactions by industry role-players have generated considerable revenue.
The industry is poised to, together with the government and through increased exports, help build an inclusive South African economy and continue to create jobs.
It would be remiss not to acknowledge former minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development, Thoko Didiza, for her efforts in this context. The fresh fruit industry wishes her well in her new role as national assembly speaker.
READ NEXT: Secure your tickets now for ‘Soul To Soil’ Women’s Day brunch
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
