Ramaphosa: It's in interests of all South Africans to have a representative & inclusive agri sector

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa said that sustainable agriculture could not happen until issues of equity, inclusion and land ownership in farming had been addressed.

In his weekly newsletter, the president said that the farming sector remained vital for the country’s growth agenda.

The industry rescued the economy in the fourth quarter, saving it from a technical recession following a dismal performance in the previous quarter.

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Ramaphosa said it was in the interests of all South Africans to have an agricultural sector that’s representative and inclusive.

In the midst of scrutiny from minority lobby groups like AfriForum and the United States, Ramaphosa has sought to re-affirm his government’s quest to level the playing field, at least when it comes to farming in the country.

He said the country’s growth agenda must be biased towards the empowerment of black farmers, this as he noted how transformation remained an issue in agriculture.

Ramaphosa, citing economist Wandile Sihlobo, said that black farmers only accounted for 10% of the commercial output.

He added that in order for black farmers to become participants in commercial agriculture, land must be made available to them.

He said the ongoing land reform process and release of government land would continue to benefit emerging farmers.