This is according to a speech by Willem Symington at Agri Northern Cape’s annual congress after he was re-elected as chairperson.
“It is unbearable that the premier, the MEC for agriculture and the department head do not respond to our pleas to hold regular meetings with them,” said Symington.
“We want to further develop a good relationship at the legislative and executive levels and assist them in creating a better life for every resident of the Northern Cape. We represent the majority of farmers and have the responsibility to protect their interests and resolve concerns.
“Society and the economy run on wheels, whether it’s a school bus, an ambulance, a police vehicle, a departmental official, a tourist, a mining truck or a farmer using the road. I wonder what damage the poor roads cause and what the consequences are for the economy.”
Symington said the province is South Africa’s largest and has its longest roads, but due to its sparse population it receives too little money to maintain the roads.
“We need better productivity and quality work on the roads to improve the province’s economy and well-being.”
Organised agriculture has had a good relationship with the government structures over the past decade, he said. “We have worked well together on issues such as drought relief, fire management and labour. The government can use our structures to great advantage to benefit everyone in the province.”
Many obstacles in a diverse province
On another note, Symington said he is repeatedly surprised by the diversity in the industry, ranging from intensive farming in irrigation areas to livestock farming in extensive areas.
“We produce large quantities of export products that compete internationally, but there is also small-scale farming. Unfortunately, I have also stood with fellow farmers at municipal dumping sites, watching animals try to survive under the worst imaginable conditions.”
He said individuals and organisations must stand together to promote agriculture’s interests. “This happens in conditions where nature, climate, disasters like wildfires or drought, as well as finances, interest rates, economic factors, wars and government policy are decisive.”
Involve women and young people
Mase Manopole, the MEC for agriculture, environmental affairs and rural development, who listened to Symington’s speech, said she had taken note of his concerns.
“I will ensure that we meet more often, quarterly if possible. I will also talk to the MEC for roads and public works (Fufe Makatong) about the roads. I know she is working on securing more money from the national department to improve roads. She and I need to talk because the police have also spoken to us about rural safety and the condition of the roads.”
The future of the province’s agricultural sector depends on involvement and empowerment, said Manopole. “We need to elevate the voices of women and the youth and combine that with the invaluable experience of our ageing farming population. In addition to the larger role that women must play, the youth are our future.
“Women are the backbone of rural communities but their contributions are often unrecognised and underutilised. We want to create an environment where women have access to resources, training and opportunities. This will unlock wealth and potential that can drive innovation and sustainability. Women have a unique perspective on farming, especially regarding resource management and community development.”
Manopole said she wants to make agriculture a viable career choice for young people. “It has endless possibilities for our children, whose lives are taken over by TikTok. They don’t realise that agriculture and farmers provide all their meals.
“We must invest in research, apply water-saving technologies and improve soil health by focusing on high-value crops that work in the changing climate.”
Manopole said her department is in talks with the Agricultural Research Council about research that can benefit Northern Cape farmers. She said more investors need to be attracted to the agricultural sector, and more exhibitions should be held in potential markets overseas.
