The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) invites members of the media to a media launch on 3 October 2014 at Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has adopted the month of October as “Food Security Month”, dedicated to raising awareness about food production.

The launch will especially mark the beginning of the planting season under the theme: “Through Food Security, Job Creation and Economic Growth - We move South Africa Forward.”

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, General Bheki Cele will officiate the event. His address will focus on the state of readiness for the planting season.

The Deputy Minister will also make a call to South Africans to make food donations which will be packed to build a food mountain on 16 October during the commemoration of World Food Day. The food mountain is set to be the highest South Africa has ever seen. Details of drop-off points will be communicated on the day of the launch.

During Food Security Month South Africans will be mobilised to take action against food insecurity and to help one another with donations of food and planting of food gardens.

Details of the launch and activities for the day are as follows:
Date: Friday, 3 October 2014
Venue: Dreamland Piggery Farm, Vanderbijlpark (directions attached)
Time: 06h00

On the day the department plans to showcase its state of readiness of the planting season with Deputy Minister Cele and MECs of Agriculture physically planting maize seeds.

This will be followed by a state of the art exhibition displaying careers in agriculture aimed at attracting the youth and produce from the local farmers.

The launch will also see the announcement of activities that the department will embark on during the month in an effort to intensify awareness on issues of poverty, hunger and malnutrition in society. These include the commemoration of the International Rural Women’s Day on 15 October, World Food Day on 16 October and the International Day of Poverty Alleviation on 17 October.

Other highlights for the day will include a walk-about at the milling plant and the piggery houses.

Dreamland Piggery Farm is owned by 49-year-old Anna Phosa, who holds the 2014 title of overall winner in the category Top Entrepreneur: Processing in Gauteng under the DAFF Female Entrepreneur Awards.

Transport to Vanderbijlpark is available on request. For accreditation kindly RSVP to Ms Jamela Nkanyane, e-mail JamelaN@daff.gov.za or contact her on 082 346 9781 by Thursday, 2 October 2014 before 12h00.

For further information contact:
Ms Makenosi Maroo
Chief Director: Stakeholder Relations and Communications
Tel: 012 319 6787
Cell: 072 475 2956
E-mail: MakenosiM@daff.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries