MBOMBELA – “I’m no longer the MEC for nyamsoro, police and traffic cops, but I’m now the MEC for cabbages, forestry and the environment, who is determined to bring about significant change among small-scale farmers and the youth, in particular,” says newly appointed MEC for agriculture, rural development, land and environmental administration, Mr Vusi Shongwe.
In an exclusive interview last Thursday Shongwe disclosed that the department has been extended to include nine programmes, all of them directed at food security, production of vegetables and about farmers themselves. “My vision entails, first and foremost, to motivate the employees of the department.”
“All of them must be inspired to come to work and they must know that they represent the people of this province. Agriculture has to do with tilling the land, fisheries, plantations and the environment.”
“In order to reach full-scale production, I will encourage the youth – through the Fortune 40 incubator programme – to actively get involved in agriculture, especially the study thereof. I was inspired when I came across a youngster from Pienaar who is studying agriculture at tertiary level. This career is very important for our livelihoods, I know most like suit-and-tie jobs, seated behind desks, yet all of those have been made possible through agriculture,” he stated. Shongwe added that he did not believe that the growth of farmers was only possible through belonging to a farmers’ union or association, but individual farmers also have great growth potential.
“I believe that government assistance should be opened up, not only to cooperatives, but also to individual farmers, some of whom have been sustainable for many years now, even the premier himself, loves agriculture, especially fisheries,” he noted. Shongwe further disclosed that his department is also more technical as it produces professionals like veterinarians, hence he feels we must teach youngsters to love animals.
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He urged older farmers to transfer skills to their children to create sustainability in the industry.
“I will conduct an audit of government-owned farms and I will make sure that they are all productive and contribute to food security. I will assist small-scale farmers and transform them into commercial farmers. My other priority is intervening in land claims by communities by engaging land affairs to expedite claims as the current slow progression agitates the claimants. I am very ambitious to make agriculture everybody’s business because it is our livelihood and all of us must worry about food security and growing our economy. In order for this vision to be a reality, everybody must be motivated. As for me, it’s enough of wearing police and traffic officers’ uniforms. From now on I’ll be clad for the job: khaki shorts and boots,” he concluded.
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