While many organisations had high praise for agriculture minister John Steenhuisen’s first budget vote speech, TLU SA and Saai pushed back against what they perceive as a potential continuation of inadequate policies under the new administration.
Steenhuisen’s speech, delivered this week, was widely lauded for addressing key issues and outlining strategies aimed at revitalising the sector. However, concerns are now being raised about the perceived continuity of policies that, some argue, have historically hampered agricultural growth and development.
Bennie van Zyl, general manager of TLU SA, emphasised that the shift in government leadership from ANC to DA should not imply a mere rebranding of previous policies.
“Just because it’s DA doesn’t mean principles that were unacceptable under ANC management are suddenly acceptable,” stated van Zyl, reflecting broader scepticism within TLU SA regarding the trajectory of agricultural policies under the new administration.
Van Zyl’s comments were reflected in a joint statement by, amongst others, Colin Engelbrecht of Wildlife Ranching South Africa, Gerhard Papenfus of Neasa, and Theo de Jager of Saai demanding substantial reforms rather than a continuation of what they describe as a “sugar-coated version of ANC ideology.”
“We appreciate the positive elements outlined in minister Steenhuisen’s speech,” they said, “but fundamental changes are needed to ensure a policy environment that truly supports the profitability and sustainability of farming operations.”
They added, “Steenhuisen must revitalise the agricultural environment with fresh economic principles – that is what South Africa needs.”
The joint statement furthermore reflected broader discontent by some in the agricultural community regarding the perceived direction of the Agriculture Master Plan (AMP). They argue that the assertion that the AMP enjoys widespread support across the sector is “uninformed and false.”
They argue that key stakeholders such as family farmers, game farmers, agricultural employers, and consumers were deliberately side-lined during AMP consultations. TLU SA, in particular, claims it was excluded late in the process due to its stance against what it views as the politicized implementation of transformation efforts.
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