Note to Editors: Attached please find a soundbite in English here and Afrikaans here.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s government’s failure to properly secure all nine Agri-Parks in the province is putting food security at risk and resulting in the loss of over R5 million due to vandalism and theft. Agri-Park infrastructure and equipment across the province have been vandalised and stolen. It is estimated that theft valued at R2.45 million and vandalism valued at R2.7 million occurred at the Agri-Parks.
Agri-Parks are provincial hubs meant to empower emerging farmers by providing training and market access to support production. This agricultural programme is critical to ensuring that Gauteng remains a food-secure province whilst also creating job opportunities.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng calls on the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, to immediately ensure that all Agri-Parks in the province are properly secured. This will help ensure that there is more money for park maintenance.
According to a reply to the DA Gauteng’s questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), it is estimated that it will cost R950 000 to repair the damage at the following Agri-Parks: Rand West, Eikenhof, Sebokeng Zone 10, Tarlton, Soshanguve and Rooiwaal.
If the MEC is serious about assisting emerging farmers in the province, all nine Agri-Parks will be provided with adequate security immediately. By doing this, the MEC will ensure job creation by attracting private investors, which in turn would allow the economy to grow.
Gauteng residents deserve a provincial government that puts the needs of emerging farmers and entrepreneurs first. The DA Gauteng already has a plan in place to support emerging farmers by ensuring access to markets, as well as financial and infrastructure grants.