This was to engage farmers’ representatives on finding long-lasting solutions to prevent similar incidents from happening. This meeting was part of the stakeholder engagements that started with the University of Mpumalanga and the Agricultural Research Council respectively.
The discussion with Organised Agriculture (the four farmers’ unions: African Farmers Association of South Africa, Transvaal Agricultural Union of South Africa, National African Farmers Union and Mpumalanga Agriculture) is aimed at laying the foundation to transform the agricultural sector in the province.
Addressing the meeting, Msibi highlighted the importance of the agricultural sector as an economic driver in the province and the country at large. “Before we all go to our respective places, be it at work or wherever, we all take breakfast.
During the day we take lunch and in the evenings we take supper, and all that is agriculture. That’s how important it is for the well-being of all human beings,” said Msibi.
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The views of the farmers’ unions were that agriculture is one of the key economic drivers and has to be protected by all. The recent shooting incident was condemned, and the importance of working together as stakeholders to avoid such incidences from occurring again, cited.
“Government should as a matter of urgency convene all key stakeholders after killings of both farmers and farm workers, rather than waiting for too long,” they said.
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The roundtable discussion has raised an eight-point plan that needs to be attended to as a matter of urgency before the Agricultural Summit, that will involve all stakeholders, is planned to take place during the course of this financial year.
“For this initiative to be realised, there is a need for a radical transformation of the whole agricultural sector in the province,” said Msibi.
