Family farmers’ interests in the national election
20 March 2019
While the debate on land is reaching boiling point in the run-up to the elections, many family farmers from across the political spectrum are uncertain about the agricultural policies and visions of political parties that are competing for their votes. Farmers do not all vote for the same party but share an interest in how policies are developed and implemented, and in which direction South African is being managed.
The commercial agricultural sector in South Africa remains one of the most competitive in Africa and keeps South Africa on course as a net exporter of food. Irresponsible land reform, such as expropriation without compensation, can derail production and competition, and threaten food security. This happened in Zimbabwe, Venezuela and almost every other country that chose this land reform route. Exponents of this policy are unable to give any reliable indication of how the same disastrous results can be avoided in South Africa, however.
Expropriation without compensation – or even at compensation lower than market value – exposes the whole agricultural financing system in South Africa to risks and is not in the interest of agriculture. The Motlanthe Report on Land Reform clearly shows that current legislation and processes can be sufficient enough to successfully follow through with land reform and to create a class of profitable black farmers – provided that corruption, maladministration and nepotism are rooted out.
Water is just as important to the stability and growth of the agricultural sector. Farmers are dependent on a government that can understand the implementation and importance of dams, infrastructure, scrupulous and competent administration of water and the maintenance thereof.