“The reality is that the [country’s] expertise and excellence lie within farming communities and agricultural organisations,” said agriculture minister John Steenhuisen in his inaugural address to Agri Eastern Cape.
Addressing their annual congress at Mentors Country Estate in Jeffreys Bay, Steenhuisen stressed the vital role of collaboration between government and the agricultural sector. He said the nation needed to leverage the expertise within the farming sector to drive growth and overcome challenges.
Steenhuisen reflected on the formation of the government of national unity, noting, “Who would have thought that we’d be sitting in a government of national unity? Who would have thought that South Africa would have a new lease on the future?”
The minister outlined the fundamental importance of agriculture, quoting Indian scientist M. S. Swaminathan: “If agriculture goes wrong, nothing else will have a chance to go right.”
He praised the sector’s resilience, highlighting its consistent contribution to South Africa’s GDP despite ongoing difficulties, including policy uncertainties and rural crime. “Agriculture has been the backbone of our economy, even when other sectors have faltered,” he remarked.
Infrastructure and safety reforms
A significant portion of Steenhuisen’s address addressed systemic issues impacting the sector. He expressed concern over the failure of the rail system, which has led to severe logistical problems, particularly in fertiliser distribution.
“The breakdown in the amount of trucks that can move between Phalaborwa [in Limpopo] and Richards Bay [in KwaZulu-Natal] has had dire consequences,” he said.
Steenhuisen detailed how infrastructure deficiencies resulted in a crippling increase in fertiliser costs following the Ukraine conflict.
“We should have been at the world’s cutting edge with our fertiliser products, but instead, we were left behind,” he added, underscoring the need for a reliable rail system to prevent such setbacks.
The minister also tackled the electricity crisis, acknowledging its detrimental effects on agriculture. “The knock-on effect of the electricity crisis has had disastrous consequences for the agricultural sector,” he noted.
Steenhuisen expressed hope that progress would continue under the government of national unity to alleviate this issue.
Fuel levies and municipal infrastructure were other key areas of focus. Steenhuisen welcomed Ramaphosa’s proposal to review fuel levies to potentially lower diesel and petrol costs. “We need to see how we can bring down the cost of diesel and petrol,” he urged.
He also highlighted problems with municipal infrastructure, such as broken sewage systems affecting irrigation and water sources. “The state of municipal roads and infrastructure has a massive knock-on effect on the agricultural sector.”
Furthermore, safety and security were prominent themes in Steenhuisen’s address. He voiced concerns about rural crime and the need for enhanced protection for farmers and labourers. “It is not right that many people are worried about their safety and the safety of their families,” he said.
Tech innovation and stronger partnerships
Steenhuisen advocated for modern technological solutions, such as drones and camera systems, to improve rural safety. “We should be looking at developing a reservist system and using modern innovations to improve rural safety,” he suggested.
Reiterating his commitment to public-private partnerships, Steenhuisen emphasised the value of collaboration between government and agricultural organisations. “The expertise and excellence lie within the farming communities and agricultural organisations.”
He promised an open-door policy for discussing concerns and ideas, urging stakeholders to engage directly rather than through the media. “Let’s not talk to each other through the media. Let’s have honest discussions and work together to achieve our goals.”
Steenhuisen concluded his speech with a rallying cry for collective action, urging South Africans to choose to be “builders” rather than “breakers.” He stressed the importance of a unified effort to address the country’s challenges and capitalise on opportunities.
“We need a whole-of-society approach to tackle the many problems facing this sector and the country,” he stated. Reflecting on the sector’s enduring resilience, he quoted Robert Schuller: “The tough times never last, but tough people do.”
Steenhuisen expressed his confidence in the agricultural community’s ability to drive progress, concluding, “We have the toughest people in this sector in South Africa.”
As he wrapped up his Agri Eastern Cape congress address, the minister underscored the need for a forward-looking approach. “We have a second chance for the future of South Africa. We need to use these five years wisely to improve the lives of ordinary South Africans,” he asserted.
READ NEXT: Steenhuisen vows not to turn his back on new-era farmers
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
