Commentary on President Zuma's speech on 8 January 2013
Agriculture and agricultural communities received various messages from President Zuma in his speech on 8 January 2013 when he emphasised the need for accelerated socio-economic development to eliminate racial inequalities and so-doing ensure a stable society. The framework for this would be the National Development Plan, the success of which would hinge largely on a workable partnership between the state, private sector and community organisations.
With its inputs at the National Planning Commission - which is the architect of the National Development Plan - Agri SA highlighted various policy and service delivery issues as obstacles to optimal agricultural development. In its final report, the National Planning Commission provided perspectives on this, which are now accepted by the ruling party as a guideline and in respect of which President Zuma has now committed himself to action.
Facets of the speech that are welcomed include his call for improved service delivery, the continuation and intensification of the battle against crime, the elimination of confusing government functions as well as infrastructure development that would unlock opportunities and promote competition.
The President also referred to accelerated land reform and points of departure in this regard. Agri SA last year held discussions with the National Planning Commission on this matter and participated fully in Minister Nkwinti's consultation process on land reform. Against the background of the 100th year anniversary of the 1913 legislation which regulated racial based land ownership, Agri SA had expected this subject to be raised by President Zuma.
President Zuma's reference to the need for "formal negotiating structures" to resolve labour matters is also significant. Although labour problems in the mining industry can be largely attributed to circumvention of such structures, agriculture continues to rely on a sectoral determination for which no such formal negotiating structure exists. Agri SA also doubts whether such a structure would be feasible at this stage, among others because of the unorganised nature of agricultural labour and the diversity of farming operations. This view of the President, including his insistence on disciplined and lawful conduct, could contribute towards constructive dialogue and the resolving of labour problems in agriculture.
The challenges that agriculture must overcome to meet the objectives of the National Development Plan, namely to create a million jobs in the agricultural industry by 2030, are extensive. The current labour unrest in the Western Cape has highlighted various socio-economic issues that can only be resolved through innovative policy, sound administration and a partnership with representative structures of commercial agriculture. In this regard, President Zuma himself will have to play a leading role because proper co-ordination between various ministries and departments would be a prerequisite for successful development.
Statement issued by Mr Johannes Möller, President Agri SA, January 15 2013
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