The 2022/2023 budget vote 12 was tabled by the MEC for the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform (DALRRD) in the Northern Cape, Mase Manopole.
The Department has made notable advances in terms of empowering women in the areas of agriculture, rural development and nature conservation in South Africa (SA). However, the MEC stressed that its focus would be mainly on growing agriculture.
Under the theme – Repositioning Women in Agriculture, Rural Development, Nature and Conservation Sector to be trailblazers,” the main objective off the Department was to determine barriers towards fundamental transformation and full participation of women, youth and disabled persons in the sector.
At a District Farmers Makgotla, special policies and programmes to benefit previously disadvantaged farmers were put under the spotlight. The slow and limited participation in the commercial space and formal markets were highlighted to address socio-economic challenges in the Northern Cape Province (NC).
Ms Manopole said that with the high rate of unemployment and food insecurity, more pressure would be put on the agri sector to create jobs and provide sufficient. However, the MEC said the agri sector will rise to these challenges and find solutions to problems, especially in their quest to empower female farmers. The Department is also in the process of developing a strategic documented vision with clear measurable solutions to address the slow pace of transformation in the agricultural sector. Various developmental initiatives will be announced in due course.
MEC Mase Manopole delivering the 2022/2023 budget vote
New jobs created in previous financial year
During the past year, 256 new jobs were created and for the new financial year, provision has been made to apply a R3.9 million EPWP Incentive Grant to create another almost 200 job opportunities. More than 400 additional jobs were also created as part of CASP and the Illima/Letsema programmes with 500 more to become available in the 2022/2023 financial year. The MEC, during the budget speech, said DALRRD will continue to support agro processing projects as it relates to SA’s Good Agricultural Practices (SA GAP).
As the region accounts for 88% of the country’s export raisins and 10% of SA’s total wine production, 50 000 new jobs were realised and much needed foreign currency is finding its way to the province.
The excellent work of the Department and its vision for the new financial year includes various initiatives across a variety of sectors and sufficient financial provision had been made towards these.
DALRDD to continue addressing climate change
In response to climate change and its effects on the agri ecosystem and biodiversity in the region, the MEC said DALRRD will continue with the expansion of the protected area network and ecological monitoring.
DALRRD has been allocated an amount of R686.3 million for the 2022/2023 financial year, including the funding of four conditional grants which amount to R207.389 million. Conditional grant funding makes up more than 30% of its funding envelope. The overall allocation to the Department increased by only 1.4% when compared to the financial 2021/2022 year, but budget allocations are expected to grow over the forthcoming MTEF period at an average of 2.3%.
The new budget allocated R27.439 million towards engineering support for farmers for the sustainable development and management of agricultural resources. A conditional grant of R7.825 million will promote sustainable use and management of natural resources through community-based initiatives.
Agri receives largest budget allocation
DALRRD’s largest funding allocation (39%) is focused on agriculture, incorporating the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) and the Ilima/Letsema Projects. Agricultural Producer Support and Development will receive R239.263 million in the new financial year.
The budget has also made provision for the following:
- Veterinary Services Programme – R49.159 million;
- Research and Technology Development Services – R61.327 million;
- Agriculture Economic Services – R12.325 million;
- Rural Development – R20.773 million;
- Environment and Nature Conservation Programme – Just over R82 million;
- Protection of the Province’s protected Fauna and Flora in the Namakwa District – R700 000
There is no doubt, that the Department under the able hand of MEC Ms Masopole will reach its targets and goals in the new financial year, not only benefitting the Northern Cape Province, but the economy of South Africa as well.
Agriculture is the future and brings with it various sustainable options, benefitting all of South Africa’s peoples and empowering the hitherto marginalised.
