“It’s always the sign of a good negotiation when neither side gets everything they wanted,” said John Steenhuisen, the DA leader unexpectedly appointed as minister of agriculture by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday night.
The move came as a surprise even to Steenhuisen himself, who just days ago had his sights set on positions like deputy president or minister in the presidency – not agriculture.
Reflecting on the unexpected turn of events in an exclusive interview with Food For Mzansi, Steenhuisen acknowledged the intricate negotiations that led to his new role.
“The process of forming a government of national unity involved tough negotiations,” he explained. “We [the DA] initially aimed for nine positions but settled for six, including agriculture – an area I now consider crucial for South Africa’s economic growth.”
Rooted in agriculture and governance
Born and raised in Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, Steenhuisen’s personal ties to agriculture run deep.
“My grandfather farmed in KZN, and our family once owned a lavender and kiwi fruit farm in the Midlands,” he said. These experiences shaped his conviction in agriculture’s potential to drive economic development and job creation, particularly in a country with significant unemployment challenges.
Steenhuisen’s journey into politics and leadership within the DA has been marked by a commitment to pragmatic governance and a keen interest in economic policy. Before being elevated to Ramaphosa’s cabinet, he served in various capacities within the DA, advocating for policies aimed at promoting economic growth, job creation, and efficient governance.
Looking ahead to his imminent swearing-in today, Steenhuisen outlined his immediate priorities as minister of agriculture. Central to his agenda is accelerating the implementation of the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan introduced in 2022.
He stressed the urgency of enhancing biosecurity measures and phytosanitary standards to bolster South Africa’s agricultural exports and global competitiveness.
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Steenhuisen’s vision for agriculture extends beyond mere policy formulation to practical support for new-era farmers and sustainable agricultural practices. Drawing from successful initiatives in the Western Cape, he emphasised the need to provide comprehensive support services to small-scale farmers.
“Empowering these operations is crucial for sustainable growth,” he asserted, underscoring the importance of government partnerships with agricultural stakeholders to achieve these goals.
Asked about the decision to separate the ministry of agriculture from land reform and rural development – a move Steenhuisen supported to sharpen the ministry’s focus – he advocated for a balanced approach to land reform.
This should aim to address historical injustices while safeguarding agricultural productivity and investment certainty. “We must ensure that land reform programmes contribute positively to agricultural output and economic development,” he said.
Commitment to inclusive agriculture
Addressing concerns about potential biases towards commercial-scale agriculture, Steenhuisen reaffirmed his commitment to fostering inclusive growth across all agricultural sectors.
“We must advance commercial agriculture while supporting small-scale farmers,” he emphasised, stressing the role of government in creating an enabling environment for all agricultural enterprises.
His approach emphasises sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change and global market dynamics.
Looking forward, Steenhuisen articulated his role not only as a policy architect but also as a champion for rural infrastructure improvements and streamlined market access. He highlighted the need for inter-ministerial collaboration to enhance rural safety, improve municipal infrastructure, and optimise transportation networks critical to agricultural supply chains.
“Efficient infrastructure is vital for connecting farmers to markets and ensuring the timely delivery of agricultural products,” he noted.
As he prepares to assume office, Steenhuisen said his vision for South Africa’s agricultural sector blends personal conviction with strategic objectives. He aims to position the country as a global leader in agricultural innovation and sustainability, leveraging partnerships with diverse stakeholders to maximise the sector’s potential in driving economic prosperity.
“I’m absolutely convinced that there’s huge opportunity for us to do great things in this sector going forward,” he said.
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