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The Democratic Alliance (DA) has learned that the Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mr Langa Zita, has been suspended. The reasons for his suspension are not yet clear.

Mr Zita has done little to put this struggling department back on a solid footing, and the DA has in the past called for him to be removed from his post.

His suspension is therefore a welcome move.

It was clear from the beginning that Mr Zita’s appointment as Director-General was more about Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Tina Joemat-Pettersson keeping her friends close, than about selecting the best person for the job. Mr Zita is a former advisor to the Minister, and both share ties to the SACP.

However, relations between Mr Zita and the Minister appear to have become increasingly strained.

The performance of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has been subject to heavy criticism. The department cannot afford a leadership vacuum, and it is vital that the processes regarding Mr Zita’s suspension are concluded as soon as possible.

The agriculture sector, and the many South Africans it employs, cannot afford further uncertainty.

For this department to get back on track, it needs strong, capable leaders committed to developing our agricultural sector to the benefit of all South Africans.