EFF leader in the Provincial Legislature, Mandisa Makeseni, was reacting to the 2019/20 budget vote tabled by MEC, William Bulwane, on Wednesday 10 July 2019.

He says this agricultural college will continue to be used by the provincial government as a centre of attraction to young people who seek to enhance their knowledge in agriculture and ultimately be the participants in the mainstream economy through agricultural processes. Makeseni raised a concern with Bulwane during the debate of the departmental budget vote by saying the department is moving at a snail’s peace in ensuring that young people are given the necessary skills in order to deal with socio-economic issues. Makeseni says although the department and MEC should be commended for strides shown in trying to mitigate the effects of poverty, youth unemployment and other social ills that the department is tasked in dealing with, the department must still make sure that enough job opportunities are created and given to the most vulnerable including women.

Amongst other issues, he touched on the controversial Vrede Dairy Project and said it remains a key element in the department because it has the potential to help grow the economy of the province and alleviate poverty. Bulwane says despite challenges within the agricultural sector, the sector remains the most important contributor to the economy and food hub of the country. He says this sector comprises 32 000 square kilometres of cultivated land and 87 000 kilometres of natural veld and grazing land.

Makeseni criticised the provincial government for not availing enough land and the lack of support to emerging farmers. She says this defeats ideas and aspirations of the socio-economic freedom within the province. Bulwane says the total contribution of agriculture to the Provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is 4.8% while the contribution nationally is 10%. He says in 2014 the share of agriculture in inclusive economic growth in the country was 4.3% and it increased to 5.0% in 2017. “The provincial 5.6% growth protection in 2019 is encouraging and this increase will have a positive spin-off in the sector," says Bulwane.

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