DA calls on govt to provide guarantees to save agricultural jobs
21 July 2016
Molweni bantu baseMpuma Koloni.
The Eastern Cape, like its neighbouring province of KwaZulu-Natal, are areas rich with agricultural potential and have been the bread-basket of South Africa.
Sadly this status is being threatened by the worst drought in almost a century. This is made even worse by an ANC government that has failed to table a comprehensive and strategic plan to mitigate the effects of this drought that is driving up the cost of living for the poor and dragging more people into the throes of poverty.
The new planting season, which starts in spring, could see our agriculture industry pushed further into crisis as many of our farmers face bankruptcy as a result of the debilitating drought compounded by government’s inaction. In order to apply for the new planting season, farmers will have had to repay their loans by the end of August.