Issued by: Ministry of Land Affairs
MEDIA RELEASE
STATEMENT BY MR DEREK HANEKOM MP, MINISTER OF LAND AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENT TO NEW MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS
I am deeply honoured by the President's decision to appoint me as Minister responsible for the new ministry of Agriculture and Land Affairs. The public response to this announcement has been over- whelmingly positive, and I would like to thank all those organisa- tions and individuals who inundated me with messages of support. In the same vein, I welcome the decision that Ms Thoko Msane-Didiza will continue serving as Deputy Minister of Agriculture - a position she has filled with distinction and dedication.
I look forward to strengthening the strong relationship between the Departments of Land Affairs and Agriculture and to build on a constructive relationship with all role players in these fields. Combining the two ministries is a very rational step which will ensure that the needs of a wide range of people, ranging from the dispossessed landless to commercial farmers, will be addressed.
It is my intention to work with all farmers in a way that serves the national interest and complies with constitutional requirements. some of the reactions to my appointment have been very disappoint- ing, in particular that of the Transvaal Agricultural Union. The time has come for them to make a decision - to come on board and play a constructive role in the processes of rural upliftment and in developing a strong agricultural sector, or to stand aside, which would be to their detriment and possibly to that of the country.
A sound agricultural sector is fundamentally important to economic growth and rural development, and is thus also essential to the success of the land reform programme's efforts to provide access to land and improved livelihoods.
Agriculture is a pivotal economic sector. Its development as both a supplier of food and of inputs to other sectors is funda- mentally important to our country's growth path. It is a sector that has considerable potential to create jobs and the enhancement of this will be of special priority. It is also a substantial foreign exchange earner and in this regard a special focus on its most competitive sectors will be important.
As the Minister designate for agriculture, I am committed to the achievement of household food security for all South Africans, as well as national food security. In achieving this, I would like to ensure the establishment of a policy framework that would support both large and small scale agriculture. In particular, I am commit- ted to the continuation and an expansion of the existing efforts to support new entrants to agriculture and small scale farmers.
One of my first actions will be to revisit the Agricultural Policy of the ANC that was adopted before the elections in 1994. It will be necessary to evaluate it in the context of the current situation, and where necessary elements of it could be revisited. In relation to this, I have watched with interest the negotiations around the new Agricultural Marketing Bill. I believe that a programme to remove state involvement in marketing of agricultural products is a cornerstone of policy. At the same time, improving access to markets for disadvantaged farmers is a key policy objective.
In the final instance, I consider myself bound to the principles contained in the mission statement of the ANC's agricultural policy document - to achieve equitable access to and optimal use of agri- cultural resources to ensure affordable and sufficient fibre for all South Africans; a life of dignity for all on the land; sustainable rural development; the creation of employment and the elimination of rural poverty; just reward for skills, energy and enterprise; the full realisation of agriculture's contribution to economic develop- ment; and the conservation of our natural resources for the benefit of future generations.
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF LAND AFFAIRS, 14 MAY 1996