Why did you get involved in politics?
Politics is the arena where you can make a difference to people's lives and where ideas can become reality.
What is your link with agriculture?
I have no formal link with agriculture, and it is not a requirement to be appointed as a minister. However, I have been interested in the sector for a long time and, as the leader of the opposition, have engaged with the sector and visited various national and regional shows over several years.
Issues such as rural safety, infrastructure and rural economies are just some of the issues I have interacted on in the past.
Agriculture was not your first choice when negotiating the Government of National Unity (GNU). How do you feel about the portfolio now?
Agriculture was not originally on the table, but when it was, we accepted it given the catalytic role it can play in job creation and economic growth.
I am delighted with the portfolio and look forward to doing some great things with the sector to promote and grow agriculture. We have the best farmers and farmworkers in the world, and I look forward to supporting them and helping them grow opportunities.
What have been some of the biggest surprises in your new position?
The absolute willingness and enthusiasm of players in the sector, from small producers to the large commercial players, to assist and get involved.
And your biggest frustrations?
The fact that the [agriculture] department is currently being separated from land reform, which is a slow process. Nevertheless, I think it will be good for the agriculture sector to have a minister who is engaged full-time with it. I think that land reform and rural development sucked up a lot of the oxygen and energy, previously.
What is your vision for emerging farmers and transformation?
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 20, 2024-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 20, 2024-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
