South Africa’s national minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development, Thoko Didiza, says former president Nelson Mandela would have been proud to see more and more young people participate in Mzansi’s agriculture sector.
“President Mandela believed that the youth of our country has the potential to make a contribution today in building a better future. He would be pleased to see more young people going into agriculture, as this assures us of the future of our agricultural economy,” Didiza told Food For Mzansi in an interview ahead of this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day (18 July).
The minister will be spending the day leading activities in Qunu to commemorate Madiba’s life and legacy as part of a global movement to bring positive change through small actions.
Under the theme “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”, she will be joining the National Rural Youth Service Corps (Narysec) as the young people fix and erect a fence at Madiba Farm and install a new roof for the cattle shed in Qunu.
The department is also scheduled to hand over much-needed food supplies and learning material to destitute households in the Qunu community later today.
Farmers celebrated for their contribution
The month of July marks Nelson Mandela Month for many people across the globe. Every year, the month is abuzz with uplifting activities and acts of kindness that express Madiba’s values.
In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly declared 18 July as International Nelson Mandela Day, in recognition of the former South African president’s contribution to the promotion of peace and freedom in society.
The day was also declared in appreciation of Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity.
“On this memorable Mandela Day, we wish to honour our farmers, household producers, food processors, and traders who continue to feed our nation and show the resilience of our sector,” the agricultural minister said
According to Didiza, Mzansi’s diverse farmers, whether they operate on a commercial or subsistence scale, make an outstanding contribution to communities in different ways.
She pointed out that this was especially the case during times of volatile food prices, as witnessed in the first half of 2022.
“Some donated food parcels to our communities when floods impacted some parts of the country, and others continued to invest in our rural areas, championing the development of our land and communities,” she said.
In sharing her message to South Africa’s food producers, Didiza thanked all farmers who are working hand in hand to share skills, knowledge and resources to build better food value chains.
“As farmers, we must continue to building our communities and economy through agricultural initiatives to ensure no one is left behind.
“This Mandela Day must mark a difference in addressing some of our communities’ food insecurities, unemployment and underdevelopment.”
Community service
Meanwhile, Didiza’s deputy minister, Mcebisi Skwatsha, will today devote 67 minutes of his time to painting the Kurland Educare Centre outside Plettenberg Bay.
He will be joined by Bitou mayor Dave Swart and Garden Route district mayor Memory Booysen.
In July 2018, the deputy minister was at a community meeting in Kurland during which he was requested by the municipality to consider donating a piece of land close to the village to alleviate overcrowding in the settlement.
Today, the deputy minister and the local municipality will also be celebrating the signing an agreement for the transfer of the land to the municipality.
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