The South Africa Farmers Development Association (Safda) accuses SA Canegrowers of perpetuating anti-transformation tendencies among black growers, despite years of purported empowerment efforts.
Dr Siyabonga Madlala, CEO of Safda, alleges that black farmers have been left unsupported, leading many to lose hope in the industry.
“Black growers across the sugar industry have protested against SA Canegrowers, alleging that they are jeopardising the immediate transformation interventions promised by the portfolio committee of agriculture to address inequality in the sector.
“It was pledged that, until a better arrangement for black growers is implemented, they would receive top-up payments to mitigate the financial losses incurred from the negative revenue statements following cane cutting, but now they receive nothing. SA Canegrowers are effectively taking food off their tables,” he explained.
Madlala stressed that black farmers will not tolerate an organisation stuck in pre-1994 ideologies dictating funding terms that were established through activist efforts for the farmers’ benefit.
“We will vehemently oppose these practices and expose their true nature. There will be demonstrations of this resistance throughout the sugarcane belt to send a clear message.
“Let us have a fair chance at survival in this industry. SA Canegrowers must cease their colonial and apartheid-era interference in the affairs of black small-scale farmers, as their intentions are not benevolent but rather to hinder black farmer development,” he added.
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SA Canegrowers affirms commitment to industry transformation
In response, SA Canegrowers defended itself, asserting that it promotes an inclusive sugar industry and has been a leading advocate for industry-wide transformation, safeguarding the livelihoods of its 21 000 small-scale growers.
“The transformation funding in the sugar industry originates from various sources, aimed at supporting and developing previously disadvantaged individuals, including small-scale growers.
“Industry members have committed to continue funding these important initiatives, allocating R239 million for the current 2024/25 season, exceeding the R232 million spent in 2023/24,” the statement concluded.
According to the association, it will continue to work on behalf of all cane growers in South Africa and ensure that transformation funds are spent in an accountable and transparent manner.
“We will also continue to stand for what is right, ensuring that funds reach the intended beneficiaries without interception.
“It is imperative that transformation is implemented sustainably and enduringly across the various cane-growing regions, and we will continue to advocate for this,” the statement said.
SASA calls for unity among industry leaders
Meanwhile, the South African Sugar Association (SASA) independent chairperson, advocate Fay Mukaddam, has urged all industry leaders to unite and collaborate towards a shared future.
“We must set aside our differences and prioritise the industry’s interests, particularly those of all our growers. We will harness phase 2 of the industry master plan to achieve the goals of the ‘Reimagined cane industry strategy’,” Mukaddam stated.
SASA has invested R1.12 billion over the past five years as part of a comprehensive transformation plan, focusing especially on initiatives to support black small-scale growers.
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