Steenhuisen adapts to ANC policy: agricultural sector response

Farmers and organized farming organizations have reacted in a mixed way to the surprise appointment of John Steenhuisen as the new agriculture minister, following the announcement of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government last night.

Agri SA Chief Executive Officer Johann Kotzé said the organisation was committed to playing its part in supporting the new Government of National Unity by actively working with all stakeholders to support a coherent and collaborative approach to addressing the challenges of the sector.

“Our aim is to work with government to increase the competitiveness of South Africa’s agriculture globally, increase exports and open new markets. This, in turn, could translate into the development of rural communities and significantly contribute to reducing poverty and unemployment in our country,” he said.

Kotzé expressed gratitude to Thoko Didiza, outgoing Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, for her continued support and understanding of the agricultural sector.

“Her efforts in maintaining strong relationships with organized agriculture have been invaluable. Under her leadership, we have seen significant progress and increased cooperation between government and the farming community.”

DA Agricultural Strategy and Cooperation with ANC

Steenhuisen is one of the DA-nominated ministers approved by Ramaphosa in the negotiated national unity government. Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo notes that the DA’s approach to agriculture is no different to what the ANC has in its policies.

“For example, in its 2024 manifesto, the DA states that the party will “empower South African citizens through the protection of land tenure, as enshrined in Article 25 of the Constitution.”

“The DA adds that it will “use and prioritize the use of government-owned land, focusing particularly on the vast areas currently held by the (former) Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Department of Public Works” and infrastructure.

“The DA government will focus on underutilized state land as part of land reform projects, including housing, agriculture and ensuring access to land for South Africans.”

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In addition, the DA says it aims to increase post-settlement support by strengthening the institutional capacity of the province and creating specialised units within departments to provide pre- and post-settlement assistance.

They pledged to prioritise land reform in the budget, and increased funding aims to improve support to beneficiaries once they have settled, in close alignment with national development strategies and government initiatives such as the Blended Finance Facility.

Sihlobo also notes that the ANC, DA and IFP leaders are closely aligned on the issue of agriculture and therefore deserve the support of all stakeholders in the sector. He emphasises that the IFP’s position on agriculture and land reform is in line with the ANC and DA’s ideals, promoting significant state support for new entrants to the agricultural sector.

“This work is already being done through the blended finance facility that the department… is implementing in partnership with financial institutions,” he said.

Sihlobo strongly suggested that government officials and industry representatives support Steenhuisen as the new Agriculture Minister, regardless of their political affiliation.

“The ANC has governed in line with the vision of the National Development Plan recently embodied in the Master Plan for Agriculture and Agro-Processing. The aim is to support an inclusive and competitive agricultural economy. The missing element is the appropriate involvement of local and provincial officials, which is crucial for the implementation of such a plan focused on cooperation with the private sector, he said.

Mixed reactions from farmers

Meanwhile, Free State grain farmer Phaladi Matsole described Steenhuisen’s appointment as good news for farmers, farm workers and markets as he will introduce changes to balance labour productivity and food production.

“We are also watching with interest how the AgriBEE policy will be realized in terms of its existence and impact,” he said.

Malose Mokgotho, president of the South African Agricultural Graduates Organization (Saaga), expressed disappointment with Steenhuisen’s appointment, believing he would not listen to the cries and frustration of unemployed graduates.

“We must express our dissatisfaction with the nomination of Mr Steenhuisen; it is a bitter pill to swallow. We do not believe that the graduates will be listened to by the leader of the Democratic Alliance,” he said.

Kgomotso Itumeleng, provincial chairman of the Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (Yard) association in the Northern Cape, said he could not express happiness or dissatisfaction; they only wanted farmers to receive services.

“It’s not about who will be the minister; we want the programs to be implemented and for young farmers and their enterprises to be able to enter the markets,” he said.

TLU SA’s optimism and appeal for cooperation

Meanwhile, TLU SA CEO Bennie van Zyl welcomed and congratulated Steenhuisen, adding that he hoped his term would bring positive change and a renewed focus on the key issues facing the country.

“We will actively cooperate with him to ensure the effective functioning of the agricultural environment on our part,” he announced.

Van Zyl said the extent of cooperation between the two new departments – agriculture, land reform and rural development – was crucial, given that South Africans need to eat. He emphasized that agriculture should prefer sustainable food production.

“The agricultural sector remains the cornerstone of the South African economy and a key enabler of food security, job creation and sustainable development.

“TLU SA calls on the new cabinet to reconcile the different political communities and views of the past around the right principles and provide the necessary confidence in investments so that the economy can grow,” he said.

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