SATOWNS

Agri SA
E-nuusbrief / E-newsletter

Agri SA, Posbus/ PO Box 1508 Pretoria 0001, Tel +27+12 300 9500, Faks/ Fax +27+12 320 0557

Die weeklikse Agri SA Nuusbrief word saamgestel uit berigte en brokkies van die Algemene Sake-, Bedryfs- en Landboubesigheidskamers, vir u inligting en verspreiding / This weekly Agri SA Newsletter is compiled for your information and use from articles and snippets supplied by the General Affairs,  Commodity and Agricultural  Business Chambers
No: 18/2007
23 Oktober  2007
In die nuusbrief:
? Getuienis voor die MRK mislei
? RGN:  Houdingsopname
? Parlementêre verslag 8 – 19 Oktober 2007
IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
? EVIDENCE BEFORE THE HRC MISLEADS
? HSRC:  ATTITUDES SURVEY
? PARLIAMENTARY REPORT 8 – 19 OCTOBER 2007

Ondersteun ons vennote

Agri Securitas Trust Fund Partners
These partners make a contribution towards the safety of the farming community.

Absa AgriBusiness, (011)350 6854 or your nearest Absa branch, Sanlam enquiries:  Adv Kobus Engelbrecht (021) 947 4506  Nissan SA enquiries:  Hennie Kotzé 082 459 7574, CrisisOnCall enquiries:  Marius Vermaak 083 302 7576

The following partners make a considerable contribution in various fields within Agri SA.  With their financial contributions, these partners have already demonstrated their support for the farmer and agriculture.

Barloworld, enquiries: Dirk van Rooy 084 589 8555, T & E Finops enquiries:  Esmé Theron 0861 440 666.
Absa AgriBusiness, (011)350 6854 or your nearest Absa branch, Total SA enquiries:  Contact your local co-op or Agri branch. Eskom, enquiries:  Annakie Swanepoel,  (051)404 2665, Agri SA Group Provident Fund, enquiries Sakkie Hurd at (012)431 3333 or sakkieh@absa.co.za. as well as Land Bank

Agri SA het groot waardering vir die vennote se betrokkenheid by die organisasie en die breë landbou.
ABSA/AGRI SECURITAS GHOLF REEKS TEN BATE VAN PLAASVEILIGHEID
Navrae:  Lans Pepler – progolfm@telkomsa.net of Sel:  082 787 2472

ERKENNING WORD AAN DIE VOLGENDE NASIONALE BORGE GEGEE
Mutual & Federal Agri, Vodacom, Pannar, Omnia, Barloworld Motor, Landbouweekblad, Ford SA, Sanlam, Alexander Forbes and Golf Heaven
Getuienis voor die MRK mislei
Kobus Kleynhans

Tydens die openbare verhore na plaasgemeenskappe, is getuienis aan die MRK voorgelê dat ‘n 14 jarige seun na ‘n ongeluk met ‘n kragaangedrewe masjien op ‘n plaas in Noord-Wes gesterf het.  Daar is ook beweer dat die masjien onvoldoende beveilig was en dat die betrokke boer nalatig opgetree het.

Intussen het die hof waar die betrokke boer tereggestaan het op ‘n aanklag van strafbare manslag of alternatiewelik nalatigheid en ‘n oortreding van artikel 8 (1) van die Wet op Beroepsveiligheid, Wet 85 van 1993, uitspraak gelewer.

Die uitspraak kan kortliks soos volg saamgevat word:

• Die hof het getuienis aanvaar dat die oorledene 17 jaar oud was ten tye van die voorval en nie 14 jaar soos beweer is nie.  Dit kom dus daarop neer dat die oorledene wettig in diens geneem is ingevolge artikels 43 en 44 van die Wet op Basiese Diensvoorwaardes en klousule 25 van Sektorale Vasstelling no 13 (Plaaswerkers).
• Die hof het die beskuldigde vrygespreek op die klag van strafbare manslag.
• Wat betref die klag van ‘n oortreding van artikel 8 (1) van die Wet op Beroepsveiligheid is die boer ook vrygespreek.  In haar uitspraak het die landdros onder andere opgemerk dat die inspekteur van die Departement van Arbeid bevooroordeeld was in die aflegging van sy getuienis.  Die landdros het die verdediging se getuienis aanvaar dat die masjien behoorlik beveilig was; dat die gedeelte van die masjien waar die ongeluk voorgekom het ‘n behoorlik waarskuwingsteken vertoon het wat selfs ongeletterdes kan verstaan; en dat die boer die werkers opgelei het in die hantering van die masjien.

Agri SA het die MRK skriftelik versoek dat die hof se uitspraak deeglik in ag geneem word wanneer die getuienis wat tydens die verhoor voorgelê is oorweeg word.

Die insident kan, en het waarskynlik, skade gedoen aan die beeld van die boer as werkgewer.  In die geval het die betrokke boer, Karools van den Heever, soos ‘n redelike mens opgetree en het die hof hom gelyk gegee.  Boere word nietemin by herhaling bedag gemaak daarop dat beroepsveiligheid op plase en die gebruik van kinderarbeid sterk in die soeklig is, nie net in Suid Afrika nie, maar ook Internasionaal deur die werking van die Internasionale Arbeidsorganisasie.  Boere moet dus besondere sorg aan die dag lê in die verband.

RGN:  Houdingsopname
Kobus Visser, Direkteur:  Korporatiewe Skakeling

Die RGN onderneem jaarliks ‘n nasionale opname bekend as die “South African Social Attitudes Survey”.  Jaarliks word ‘n  steeksproef van 7000 respondente ouer as 16 jaar uit die RGN se databasis getrek om ‘n verteenwoordigende prentjie van die mense van Suid-Afrika te kry.  Die fokus in vanjaar se houdingsopname sal fokus op die geïdentifiseerde nasionale prioriteitsareas wat insluit die demokrasie en regering, interpersoonlike verhoudings, armoede en sosiale uitsluiting, welvaart en werk en dienslewering.  Die studie word gelyktydig in al nege provinsies onderneem en sal help om te bepaal hoe baie of hoe min mense in Suid-Afrika se opinies en uitkyk oor die kwessies verskil.

Persoonlike onderhoude sal met respondente tuis gevoer word wat grondeienaars en ook plaaswerkers sal insluit.  Dit sal tot gevolg hê dat plase vir die doel besoek sal moet word deur gemagtigde beamptes van die RGN.  In dié verband, het die RGN, Agri SA skriftelik ingelig oor die voorgenome besoeke en het die organisasie kennis daarvan geneem.  In sy antwoord het Agri SA die RGN ingelig oor die protokol vir plaastoegang en dat in dié geval dit volgens die protokol nodig sal wees om vooraf ‘n afspraak te maak om die plaas te besoek.  Die RGN is ook versoek om met Agri SA se provinsiale affiliasies kontak te maak en in te lig oor die opname.  Relevante inligting oor die opname is reeds aan die affiliasies beskikbaar gestel.

Parlementêre verslag 8 – 19 Oktober 2007
Annelize Crosby, Parlementêre verteenwoordiger, Adviseur:  Regs- & Grondsake

Voorlegging aan Portefeuljekomitee op Landbou en Grondsake

Jaarverslae:  Landbounavorsingsraad (LNR), Nasionale Bemarkingsraad en Departement van Landbou
Die Landbounavorsingsraad (LNR) en die Nasionale Bemarkingsraad het beide op 11 Oktober 2007 hul jaarverslae aan die Portefeuljekomitee op Landbou en Grondsake voorgehou.  Dr Shadrack Moephuli, Hoof Uitvoerende Beampte van die LNR het die voorlegging gedoen.  Hy het die mandaat van die LNR asook spesifieke doelwitte van die organisasie uitgespel.  Die LNR beskou dit as sy rol om maksimum waarde toe te voeg tot primêre landbouprodukte binne die landbou-waardeketting, asook om die volhoubare gebruik van natuurlike hulpbronne te bevorder, navorsing te doen oor klimaatsverandering, peste en plae te help uitroei en te help om markte vir landbouprodukte  te groei en ontwikkel.  Die LNR het onder andere 35 boere in Limpopo opgelei in produktsietegnologie en besigheidsvaardighede om hulle in staat te stel om betrokke te raak in die biobrandstof industrie.  Die LNR is besig om ‘n nuwe rigting in te slaan, en is in ‘n proses om sy interne stelsels te verbeter. 

Mr Tshelilo Ramabulana, die Hoof Uitvoerende Beampte van die Bemarkingsraad het hul voorlegging hanteer.  Die Raad is onlangs nuut saamgestel met Me. Ntombi Msimang as Voorsitster en Dr Karaan as Vise-Voorsitter.   Mnr Ramabulana het die Bemarkingsraad se mandaat en programme aan die Komitee voorgehou.  Hy het gesê dat die Raad sukkel met begrotingsbeperkings.  Daar word tans ‘n nuwe Bemarkingswet geskryf, wat binne die volgende paar maande gepubliseer sal word.  Dit volg op die aanbevelings van die Bemarkings-hersieningskomitee.  Daar was heelwat bespreking oor voedelselpryse.  Dr Mohammed Karaan het gewaarsku dat daar waarskynlik wêreldwyd groot prysstygings in voedselpryse gaan plaasvind in die volgende paar jaar en dat dit daarom nodig is om aan te hou om voedselpryse te monitor.  Die Bemarkingsraad het markontwikkelingsprogramme vir graan en oliesade, sitrus en rooivleis.  Daar is verslag gedoen oor gelde wat gein is dmv statutêre heffings. R149 miljoen is op die wyse ingesamel.  Hiervan is 42% op navorsing gespandeer, 17% op projekte vir opkomende boere, 15% op inligting en 10% op uitvoer-bevordering.  Daar is ook ‘n opsomming gegee van die finansiële posisie van die verskillende industrie-trusts.

Die Departement van Landbou het op 16 Oktober 2007 sy Jaarverslag aan die Portefeuljekomitee op Landbou n Grondsake voorgehou.  Die voorlegging is gedoen deur Mnr Masipula Mbongwa, die Direkteur-Generaal.  Hy het gesê dat die Departement hom in sy aktiwiteite laat lei deur die visie vir die sektor, soos uiteengesit in die Strategiese Plan vir Landbou.  Hy het verslag gedoen oor die verskillende programme waarby die Departement betrokke is.  Hy het gesê dat daar ‘n spesiale program vir voedselsekerheid is en dat 66 000 huishoudings landbou wegspring-pakkette (starter packs) ontvang het.  Hy het verder gesê dat die AgriSEB Handves nou gefinaliseer en gepubliseer is.  Daar sal waarskynlik nou ‘n artikel 12 volg in terme waarvan ‘n Landbou Kode ontwikkel sal word.  ‘n Konsep Rampbestuurplan is ontwikkel.  Die DG het gesê dat die Departement sy inspeksie-en kwarantyn-dienste sal moet verbeter.  Tydens vraetyd het Mnr Mbongwa verwys na die Agri SA kongres waar hy as ‘n spreker opgetree het en ook na die insette van Drs Van Zyl en Kirsten tydens die kongres.  Hy het veral klem gelê op die verslag van die Harvard groep van ekonome, wat die belangrikheid van regeringsteun vir die landbousektor beklemtoon het.  Die Voorsitter het gevra oor eenheid in die sektor, met verwysing na die konflik tussen  die Ministerie en georganiseerde landbou.  Die DG het gesê dat daar sekere reëls bestaan binne die Presidensiële Werkgroep, waarvan een is dat partye sover moontlik moet wegstuur van negatiewe en skadelike uitlatings en eerder hul verskille intern moet probeer oplos.  Hy het verwys na die nuwe forum wat in die lewe geroep is waarop die rolspelers in die sektor sitting sal hê en konsensus sal probeer bereik en het gesê dat dit ‘n positiewe verwikkeling is.  Daar is ook berig dat ‘n ondersoek na voorligtingsdienste onderneem is, na aanleiding waarvan daar sekere aanbevelings gemaak is, wat nou geïmplementeer word.   Nuwe voorligtingsbeamptes word tans opgelei.  Attie Swart het gesê dat die Landbou Sektorplan hersien word.  Hy het gesê dat die Departement intern groot vordering met die implementering van die Sektorplan gemaak het en dat die verskeie Sektorstrategië wat deur onder andere die Graanbedryf, Wynbedryf, Vrugtebedryf en andere aangeneem is, ook bewys van vordering in hierdie verband is.

Departement Grondsake se verslag met aanbevelings oor buitelandse grondbesit
Dr Sipho Sibanda van die Departement Grondsake het op 17 Oktober 2007 ‘n voorlegging gedoen aan die Portefeuljekomitee op Landbou en Grondsake oor die verslag met aanbevelings oor buitelandse grondbesit.  Hy het kortliks met die bevindinge van die verslag gehandel wat daarop neerkom dat buitelanders tussen 1 en 3% van grond besit in Suid-Afrika, afhangende van die tipe grond wat ter sprake is.  Die syfers is ‘n beraming, aangesien die inligting oor hoeveel grond deur buitelandse maatskappye n trust besit word, nie bekend is nie.  Volgens die verslag word 27.45% van alle plase deur maatskappye, BK’s en trusts besit.  Die waarde van hierdie plase verteenwoordig egter 78.09% van die totale waarde van alle plase in Suid-Afrika.  Die Verslag beveel aan dat daar gedwonge bekendmaking van inligting oor die ras en geslag van grondeienaars moet wees.  Dit het ‘n warm debat ontketen, waar die DA sterk standpunt ingeneem het teen sodanige stap.  Selfs van die ANC Komiteelede het gewaarsku dat daar baie sensitief met die kwessie omgegaan moet word.  Daar is ook aanbeveel dat daar ‘n twee jaar moratorium op die vervreemding van staatsgrond aan buitelanders geplaas moet word en dat Ministeriële toestemming vir sekere transaksies verkry moet word.  Die verslag is gepubliseer vir kommentaar.

EVIDENCE BEFORE THE HRC MISLEADS
Kobus Kleynhans

At the public hearings into farming communities, evidence was submitted to the HRC that a 14-year-old boy died following an accident with a power driven machine on a farm in North West.

The court where the farmer was charged on counts of culpable homicide or, in the alternative negligence through non compliance with section 8 (1) of Act no 85 of 1993 (Occupational Health and Safety Act), has now handed down judgment.

The verdict can briefly be summarized as follows:

• The court accepted evidence that the deceased was in fact 17 years of age and not 14 as was alleged.  This means that in terms of section 43 and 44 of the BCEA and clause 25 of Sectoral Determination no 13 (Farm Worker Sector) the deceased had been employed legally by the farmer.
• The accused was acquitted on the charge of culpable homicide.
• On the charge of contravention of section 8 (1) of Act No 85 of 1993, the accused was also acquitted. In her judgment the magistrate stated, inter alia, that the inspector of the Department of Labour, in giving evidence, had been biased. The magistrate accepted the evidence led by the defense to the effect that the machine was properly guarded;  that the part of the machine where the accident happened was properly marked with warning signs which even an illiterate person could understand;  and that the workers had been trained by the farmer to operate the machine.

Agri SA requested the HRC in writing that the court’s judgment be taken into account when the evidence submitted during the hearings are considered.  The incident could, and perhaps did cause damage to the image of the farmer as employer.  In this case the farmer, Karools van den Heever, acted like a reasonable person and the court accepted that.

Farmers are nevertheless once again alerted to the fact that occupational safety and the use of child labour on farms are very much the focus of the labour world, not only in South Africa, but also Internationally through the International Labour Organisation.  Farmers should therefore take particular care in this regard.

HSRC:  ATTITUDES SURVEY
Kobus Visser, Director:  Corporate Liaison

The HSRC each year conducts a national survey known as the “South African Social Attitudes Survey”.  Each year a sample of 7 000 respondents older than 16 years is drawn from the HSRC database to obtain a representative picture of people in South Africa.  This year’s survey will focus on the identified national priority areas, including democracy and government, interpersonal relationships, poverty and social exclusion, prosperity, work and service delivery.  The study is conducted simultaneously in all nine provinces and will help to determine how much or little the opinions and perceptions of South Africans differ with regard to certain issues.

Personal interviews will be conducted with respondents at their homes, including landowners and farm workers.  This means that farms must be visited by authorised HSRC officials.  For this purpose the HSRC has informed Agri SA in writing of its proposed visits, of which the organisation took cognisance.  In its response, Agri SA informed the HSRC about its Protocol for Farm Access and that, in terms of the protocol, a prior appointment would have to be made to visit a farm.  The HSRC was also requested to contact Agri SA’s provincial affiliates to inform them of the survey. Relevant information regarding the survey has already been made available to the affiliates.

PARLIAMENTARY REPORT 8 – 19 OCTOBER 2007
Annelize Crosby, Parliamentary representative, Adviser: Legal and Land Affairs

Submission to Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs

Annual Reports: Agricultural Research Council (ARC, National Marketing Council and Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the National Marketing Council both submitted their respective Annual Reports to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs on 11 October 2007.  Dr Shadrack Moephuli, Chief Executive Officer of the ARC, made a presentation, spelling out the mandate of the ARC as well as specific objectives of the organisation.  The ARC regards it as its role to add maximum value to primary agricultural products within the agricultural value chain, and also to promote sustainable use of natural resources, to conduct research regarding climate change, to help eradicate pests and to help expand and develop markets for agricultural products.  The ARC has, among other things, trained 35 farmers in Limpopo in business technology and business skills to enable them to become involved in the bio-fuel industry.  The ARC has adopted a new course of action and is in the process of improving its internal systems.

Mr Tshelilo Ramabulana, the Chief Executive Officer of the Marketing Council dealt with their submission.  A new Council was appointed recently, with Ms Ntombi Msimang as chair and Dr Karaan as vice-chair.  Mr Ramabulana presented the Marketing Council’s mandate and programmes to the Committee.  He said the Council was struggling with budget constraints.  A new Marketing Act was being drafted and would be published within the next few months.  This follows the recommendations made by the Marketing Review Committee.  A lively discussion on food prices followed.  Dr Mohammed Karaan warned that there would probably be food price increases during the next few years and that it would therefore be necessary to continue monitoring such prices.  The Marketing Council has marketing development programmes in place for grain, oil seed, citrus and red meat.  Feedback was provided on the funds collected through statutory levies.  R149 million was collected in this way, of which 42% was spent on research, 17% on projects for emerging farmers, 15% on information and 10% on export promotion.  A summary was also provided regarding the financial position of the different industry trusts.

The Department of Agriculture presented its Annual Report to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs on 16 October 2007.  The Director-General, Mr Masipula Mbongwa, made the presentation.  He said the Department had allowed its activities to be led by the vision for the sector as set out in the Strategic Plan for Agriculture and reported on the different programmes in which the Department is involved.  He said there was a special programme for food security and that 66 000 households had received starter packs.  He added that the AgriBEE Charter had now been finalised and published.  A section 12 process will probably now follow in terms of which a Code would be developed for agriculture.  A draft Disaster Management Plan has been developed.  The DG said the Department would have to improve its inspection and quarantine services.  During question time Mr Mbongwa referred to the Agri SA Congress where he had been a speaker, and also to the inputs made by Drs Van Zyl and Kirsten during the Congress.  He made specific mention of the report of the Harvard group of economists who had emphasised the importance of government support for the agricultural sector.  The chairperson asked about unity within the sector with reference to the conflict between the Ministry and organised agriculture.  The DG said there were certain rules within the Presidential Working Group, one of which is that parties should as far as possible avoid making negative and harmful statements and should instead try to resolve their differences internally.  He referred to the new forum that had been established where role players in the sector would be represented and would try to reach consensus.  He said this was a positive development.  It was also reported that an inquiry had been conducted into extension services in the light of certain recommendations, which are now being implemented.  New extension officers are being trained at present.  Attie Swart said the Sector Plan for Agriculture was being reviewed.  The Department had made good progress with the implementation of the Sector Plan and various sector strategies adopted by the grain, wine, fruit and other industries serve as proof that progress had indeed been made in this regard.

Department of Land Affairs’ report, with recommendations on foreign landownership
On 17 October 2007 Dr Sipho Sibanda of the Department of Land Affairs made a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs regarding the report containing recommendations on foreign land ownership.  He dealt briefly with the findings in the report, which indicate that between 1% and 3% of South African land is owned by foreigners, depending on the type of land involved.  The figures represent an estimate since it is unknown how much land is owned by foreign companies in the form of trusts and companies.  According to the report, 27,45% of all farms are owned by companies, CCs and trusts.  The value of these farms, however, comprises 78,09% of the total value of all farms in South Africa.  The report recommended that owners should be compelled to disclose information regarding their race and gender.  A heated debate followed, with the DA adopting a strong stance against such a step.  Even some ANC members of the Committee warned that the matter should be handled in a very sensitive manner. It was also recommended that a two-year moratorium be placed on the alienation of state land in favour of foreigners and that Ministerial consent should be obtained for certain transactions.  The report was published for commentary.

RSG LandbouNuus

Agri SA, MPO SA en Graan SA is gesamentlik verantwoordelik vir die RSG LandbouNuus program wat van Maandag tot Donderdag tussen 12:30 en 12:45 op RSG uitgesaai word.  ‘n Seleksie van die week se programme word nou Donderdagoggende om 04:30 uitgesaai.  Die program word ondersteun deur borge en bevat aktuele landbounuus en aktualiteitsbesprekings en op Maandae en Donderdae word daar kortliks na die weer gekyk.

Erkenning word aan die volgende borge en medewerkers gegee- wat van die program ‘n sukses help maak:  Agri SA, MPO, Graan SA, Agri Connect, Agri Bonus, Phizer, UniGrain, Cape Wools’ SA, The Maize Trust, Olie Advieskomitee, Voermol, Sanlam Cobalt, Vodacom en Pannar.
 

AgriTV

SABC 2  Maandae – Vrydae 05:45
SABC Africa (kanaal 53) Sondae 12:30

Ons spreek oudergewoonte landboukwessies aan, kyk na die jongste markpryse.
We have a look at what the weather holds.
 Lekker boer! / Enjoy your farming!

Hierdie nuusbrief word saamgestel en uitgereik deur Agri SA Korporatiewe Skakeling
This newsletter is compiled and issued by Agri SA Corporate Liaison

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Agri SA
E-nuusbrief / E-newsletter

Agri SA, Posbus/ PO Box 1508 Pretoria 0001, Tel +27+12 300 9500, Faks/ Fax +27+12 320 0557

Die weeklikse Agri SA Nuusbrief word saamgestel uit berigte en brokkies van die Algemene Sake-, Bedryfs- en Landboubesigheidskamers, vir u inligting en verspreiding / This weekly Agri SA Newsletter is compiled for your information and use from articles and snippets supplied by the General Affairs,  Commodity and Agricultural  Business Chambers
No: 17/2007
16 Oktober  2007
In die nuusbrief:
? Presidensiële Kommersiële Landbouwerksgroep
? Vergadering met Minister Lulu Xingwana
? Hoeveel mense werk regtig op plase
? Toyota SA/Agri SA Jongboer van die jaar kompetisie
? Agri SA lede vereer
? Polokwane Gholf Klub gasheer vir agtste gholfdag

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
? PRESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE WORKING GROUP
? MEETING WITH MINISTER LULU XINGWANA
? HOW MANY WORKERS ON FARMS
? TOYOTA SA/AGRI SA YOUNG FARMER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
? AGRI SA MEMBERS HONOURED
? POLOKWANE GOLF CLUB HOSTS 8TH GOLF DAY
Ondersteun ons vennote

Agri Securitas Trust Fund Partners
These partners make a contribution towards the safety of the farming community.

Absa AgriBusiness, (011)350 6854 or your nearest Absa branch, Sanlam enquiries:  Adv Kobus Engelbrecht (021) 947 4506  Nissan SA enquiries:  Hennie Kotzé 082 459 7574, CrisisOnCall enquiries:  Marius Vermaak 083 302 7576

The following partners make a considerable contribution in various fields within Agri SA.  With their financial contributions, these partners have already demonstrated their support for the farmer and agriculture.

Barloworld, enquiries: Dirk van Rooy 084 589 8555, T & E Finops enquiries:  Esmé Theron 0861 440 666.
Absa AgriBusiness, (011)350 6854 or your nearest Absa branch, Total SA enquiries:  Contact your local co-op or Agri branch. Eskom, enquiries:  Annakie Swanepoel,  (051)404 2665, Agri SA Group Provident Fund, enquiries Sakkie Hurd at (012)431 3333 or sakkieh@absa.co.za. as well as Land Bank

Agri SA het groot waardering vir die vennote se betrokkenheid by die organisasie en die breë landbou.
ABSA/AGRI SECURITAS GHOLF REEKS TEN BATE VAN PLAASVEILIGHEID
Navrae:  Lans Pepler – progolfm@telkomsa.net of Sel:  082 787 2472

ERKENNING WORD AAN DIE VOLGENDE NASIONALE BORGE GEGEE
Mutual & Federal Agri, Vodacom, Pannar, Omnia, Barloworld Motor, Landbouweekblad, Ford SA, Sanlam, Alexander Forbes and Golf Heaven
Presidensiële Kommersiële Landbouwerksgroep
Hans van der Merwe, Uitvoerende Direkteur

Die Werksgroep het op 9 Oktober 2007 vergader om die volgende te bespreek:

o Die hersiening van die Strategiese Plan vir Suid-Afrikaanse landbou is op dreef en behoort teen die einde van die jaar afgehandel te wees.  Die dokument sal met die President bespreek word in ’n voldag sessie tydens die eerste vergadering van die werksgroep in 2008.  Agri SA sal binnekort sy konsep-insette tot die proses aan affiliasies beskikbaar stel vir kommentaar.
o Die Direkteur-Generaal van die Nasionale Departement van Landbou, Masiphula Mbongwa, het ‘n omvattende voorlegging gemaak oor die Presidensiële Prioriteitsprogramme (‘n PowerPoint voorlegging is beskikbaar op versoek) gemik op grond- en landbouhervorming, wat die volgende insluit:
- 5 miljoen hektaar landbougrond wat tans aan blankes behoort moet aan 10 000 swart landbouprodusente beskikbaar gestel word.
- ‘n Toename van 10% in die getal swart ondernemers wat by agribesigheid betrokke is.
- Beter toegang vir die teikengroep tot landbou-ondersteuningsdienste. 
- ‘n Toename van 10 – 15% in landbouproduksie deur die teikengroep.
- ’n Toename van 10 – 15% in landbouhandel deur die teikengroep.

Die hoofgrondeisekommissaris het ‘n aanbod van die Suikerriet-kwekersvereniging om hulp te veleen met kapasiteit, verwelkom.
  
o Die President het gevra dat die institusionele reëlings wat landbou-insette sal fasiliteer spoedeisend geïmplementeer moet word, met inagneming van tariewe op landbouprodukte.  Hy het ook aangedui dat die regering binnekort beleidsriglyne vir ITAC sal oorweeg ten opsigte van ‘n gedifferensieerde benadering tot landbouprodukte.
o Die vergadering het kennis geneem van ‘n verslag van die Nasionale Landboubemarkingsraad wat aandui dat hoër internasionale voedselpryse die resultaat is van hoër brandstofpryse, asook die biobrandstofbedryf en groter aanvraag in lande soos China en Indië.  Hierdie neiging sal nog vir ‘n aantal jare voortduur.  Agri SA het ‘n verslag voorgelê wat daarop dui dat ‘n plaaslike biobrandstofbedryf geen negatiewe implikasies vir huishoudelike voedselsekerheid inhou nie.  Agri SA het ook verwys na die belangrikheid daarvan dat die biobrandstofbeleid gefinaliseer word as voorvereiste vir belegging in hierdie sektor.
o Die vergadering het daarvan kennis geneem dat Minister Lulu Xingwana die AgriSEB-handves aan die Dti gestuur het vir publisering in die Staatskoerant.
o Die President het sy uiterse ongemak uitgespreek oor die lang tydsverloop tussen die verklaring van ‘n ramp en die stadium wanneer hulp diegene wat dit benodig bereik.  Hy het die betrokke departemente aangesê om ‘n aanvaarbare oplossing te vind en te implementeer ten einde sodanige vertragings uit te skakel.
o Agri SA en andere het die President ingelig oor die groeiende ongemak in landbougeledere oor die uitlatings wat gemaak is deur die Minister en Adjunk Minister ten opsigte van uitsettings en onteiening.  Die President het die behoefte aan groter konsensus oor hierdie kwessies beklemtoon  en ook die beplande vergadering tussen die Minister en landbou-unies  wat die volgende dag sou plaasvind om die impasse te verbreek verwelkom.

Tydens ‘n daaropvolgende mediakonferensie, het die Adjunk Minister, Dirk du Toit, die voortgesette plaasuitsettings as etniese suiwering en apartheidsgedrag bestempel.  Die landbou-unies het sterk hierop gereageer.

Agri SA se verslag oor hierdie vergadering is beskikbaar op sy webtuiste.

Vergadering met Minister Lulu Xingwana
Hans van der Merwe, Uitvoerende Direkteur

Die landbou-unies (Agri SA, TLU SA en NAFU SA) en FAWU het met die Minister op 12 Oktober 2007 vergader, waar die Minister beweer het dat daar ‘n ernstige uitsettingsprobleem bestaan wat erken moet word.  In plaas daarvan om uitsettings as “wettig“ of ”onwettig“ te klassifiseer, het die ministerie woorde soos ”formeel“ en ”informeel“ gebruik.  Die Minister beskou alle vorms van uitsetting as problematies en het die unies se samewerking gevra sodat alle uitsettings gestaak word tot tyd en wyl gebeurlikheidsplanne geïmplementeer kan word.  Die landbou-unies het beklemtoon dat dit belangrik is as vertrekpunt om inligting ten opsigte van uitsettings te deel.  Die proaktiewe grondverkrygingstrategie sal gebruik word binne die raamwerk van die Presidensiële Prioriteitsprogramme om vyf miljoen hektaar grond aan te koop vir die vestiging van plaasbewoners en uitgesettenes.  Die Tesourier sal die nodige fondse beskikbaar stel.  Die programme sal in aanvang neem by twee brandpunte, naamlik in KwaZulu-Natal en die Wes-Kaap.  

Daar is verder ooreengekom dat gereelde en gestruktueerde konsultasies tussen die Minister en die prinsipale van die unies moet plaasvind om konsensus oor sleutel aangeleenthede te verbeter.  Vir hierdie doel word ‘n landbou-adviesforum beoog wat sal bestaan uit die HUB’s van die betrokke departemente, landbou-unies en ander tersaaklike organisasies.  Die besonderhede van die funksionering van sodanige strukture moet nog uitgewerk word en ’n ooreenkoms moet hieroor bereik word.

Agri SA kongres:  Om landbou te laat gedy……
Kobus Visser, Direkteur:  Korporatiewe Skakeling

Die kongrestema vanjaar, “om die landbou te laat gedy”,  het ‘n versugting van baie kommersiële boere verwoord, om vry van onnodige beperkings, dreigemente  en onsekerhede, die geleentheid te hê om met toewyding hulle beroep as landbouers te kan beoefen.  Daar word reeds op vele terreine baie gedoen om onsekerhede en risiko’s wat met landbou gepaard gaan te verminder, die frustrasie van boere gaan eerder oor die onnodige onsekerheid wat die hoë vlak van verpolitisering van die sektor skep.  Die invloed van misdaad op boere se veiligheid, koste en verliese aan inkomste dra ook hiertoe by, het Lourie Bosman, President van Agri SA in sy presidentsrede gesê. 

By Agri SA se kongres, wat vanjaar in Boksburg gehou is, het dr Johan van Zyl, Groep Uitvoerende Hoof van Sanlam, gesê die landbou is nie hoog op die regering se prioriteitslys nie.  Hy het die swak verhouding tussen die boere en die regering, veral die onverantwoordelike uitlatings oor grondhervorming, uitgewys as faktore wat kan bydra dat buitelandse beleggings in die landbou nie plaasvind nie. 

Die Direkteur-generaal van die Departement van Landbou wat by die kongres toeligting verskaf het oor mikpunte en strategieë vir die transformasie van die landbousektor, het gesê dat indien Suid-Afrika ekonomies wil floreer, daar aandag gegee moet word aan sektore soos die mynbou, landbou en vervaardiging. Hy het steun van die kongres ontvang toe hy gesê het “ons kan doen sonder onverantwoordelike uitsprake”. 

Agri SA het ‘n dokument saamgestel waarin voorstelle gemaak word wat in die hersieningsproses van die Strategiese Plan vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Landbou in ag geneem behoort te word.  Die kongres het ‘n prosedure reëling met die hersiening van die Plan aanvaar wat insluit konsultasie met sy affiliasies en om hulle ook die geleentheid te bied om self getuienis in die hersieningsproses te lewer.

Die Minister van Landbou, Lulu Xingwana, wat ‘n uitnodiging na die kongres aanvaar het, en ‘n dag voor die kongres op ‘n buitelandse reis na Indië vertrek het, is deur Thozi Gwanya, Hoof Grondeise Kommissaris verteenwoordig.  In ‘n toespraak wat Gwanya voorgelees het, het die Minister gesê,  “Ons sal ons landbou produksie dramaties moet vermeerder.  Dit het vir my duidelik geword dat ten spyte van die WHO debatte, moet ons, ons ondersteuning aan die landbou in die land verhoog”.

Agri SA se implementeringstrategie oor grond- en landelike hervorming wat by die Kongres hanteer is, handel met alle aspekte van grondhervorming, insluitend boervestiging en –ontwikkeling.  Daar is veral twee nuwe gedagterigtings waarby hierdie implementeringstrategie aansluiting vind, naamlik die “Special Purpose Vehicle” (SPV) en ‘area-gebaseerde grondhervorming’.  Die kongres het hierdie benaderings ondersteun en aangedui dat Agri SA en sy strukture by die implementering daarvan betrokke raak. 

Al-hoe-meer openbare uitsprake word gemaak dat ‘n gebrek aan gesonde waardes lei tot geen respek vir lewe en eiendom asook tot die hoë vlak van misdaad, veral ernstige aanrandings en selfs moord.   Gesinne met gesonde waardes en ondersteuningstrukture moet die hoeksteen vorm van inisiatiewe om daardie potensiaal te ontsluit volgens Agri SA se beleidsdokument oor maatskaplike aangeleenthede op plase wat deur die kongres aanvaar is. Die kongres het ook die moontlikheid aanvaar dat ondersoek gedoen word om ‘n instansie op die been te bring wie se taak dit sal wees om plaaswerkers op te hef en die regte morele waardes te bevorder.

Tydens die Algemene Jaarvergaderingsessie is ‘n herposisionering- en struktureringsmodel aan die kongres voorgehou.  Die herposisionering en herstruktureringsmodel het twee dimensies naamlik ‘n interne- en eksterne ordening.  Daar is by kongres aanbeveel dat ten opsigte van sy interne ordening Agri SA se Kamerstrukture behou word.   Die skedulering van vergaderings van hierdie strukture moet verkieslik in serie wees sodat kruis-bywoning moontlik sal wees.   Vir doelmatigheidsredes en eksterne ordening is daar ‘n behoefte aan ‘n oorhoofse struktuur vir die georganiseerde landbou waardeur die sektor se gemeenskaplike belange meer gekoördineerd en inklusief asook kostedoeltreffend gedien kan word. 

Tydens vanjaar se kongres is Lourie Bosman onbestrede tot president en Johannes Möller tot adjunk president verkies.  Christof Cloete is onbestrede deur die Algemene Sakekamer, Neels Ferreira deur die Bedryfskamer en Corwyn Botha deur die Agri SA Besigheidskamer tot voorsitter van die onderskeie Kamers verkies.

Agri SA Congress:  To allow agriculture to prosper……
Kobus Visser,  Director: Corporate Liaison

This year’s Congress theme, namely To allow agriculture to prosper,  represents a desire on the part of many commercial farmers to practise their profession with dedication, free from unnecessary restrictions, threats and uncertainty. Much is already being done in various spheres to address the uncertainties and risks associated with agriculture.  Farmers’ frustration, however, has more to do with the unnecessary uncertainty created by the high level of politicisation of the sector. The impact of crime on the safety, costs and income of farmers also contributes to this, said Lourie Bosman, President of Agri SA in his presidential address. 

At Agri SA’s congress, which was held in Boksburg this year, Dr Johan van Zyl, Group Chief Executive of Sanlam, said agriculture is not high on the government’s priority list.  He referred to the poor relationship between farmers and the government, and especially to irresponsible allegations regarding land reform, as factors that could contribute to a lack of investment in agriculture.

The Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, who provided elucidation on the targets and strategies for transformation in the agricultural sector, said that if South Africa wants to flourish economically, attention would have to be given to sectors such as mining, agriculture and manufacturing.  Congress supported him when he said: We can do without irresponsible statements.

Agri SA has compiled a document containing proposals that should be taken into account during the review process of the Strategic Plan for South African Agriculture.  Congress accepted a procedural arrangement regarding the review, which includes consultation with Agri SA’s affiliates and an opportunity to testify during the review process.

The Minister of Agriculture, Lulu Xingwana, who had accepted an invitation to the Congress but left for India a day before the congress, was represented by Thozi Gwanya, the Chief Land Claims Commissioner.  In the ministers’ speech read by Gwanya it was suggested, “We will have to increase agricultural production considerably.  It has become clear to me that despite the WTO debates, we must increase our support for agriculture in the country”.

Agri SA’s implementation strategy on land and rural reform as dealt with at the Congress, relates to all aspects of land reform, including farmer settlement and development.  There are two new schools of thought aligned to this implementation strategy, namely the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and area-based land reform.  The Congress supported this approach and indicated that Agri SA and its structures were involved in the implementation thereof.

There have been an increasing number of public statements to the effect that a lack of sound values leads to a lack of respect for human life and property, as well as the high level of crime, especially serious assault and even murder.  According to Agri SA’s policy document relating to social issues on farms, which was accepted by Congress, families with sound values and support structures should form the cornerstone of initiatives to unlock that potential.  Congress also accepted the possibility of an inquiry into an institution whose task would be to uplift farm workers and to promote the moral values.

During the Annual General Meeting session a repositioning and structuring model was presented to Congress.  The repositioning and structuring model has two dimensions, namely internal and external.  It was recommended during the Congress that, in terms of internal structuring, Agri SA’s Chambers should be retained.  The meetings of these structures should preferably be sequential so that cross-attendance is possible.  For the sake of effectiveness and external structuring, there is a need for an umbrella structure for organised agriculture where matters of common interest within the sector can be attended to in a more co-ordinated, inclusive and cost-effective manner.

At this year’s Congress Lourie Bosman was re-elected President and Johannes Johannes Möller as Deputy President.  Both were unopposed.  Christof Cloete, Neels Ferreira and Corwyn Botha were elected unopposed as chairmen of the General Affairs Chamber, the Commodity Chamber and the Agri SA’s Business Chamber, respectively.

Hoeveel mense werk regtig op plase
Kobus Kleynhans

Statistiek Suid-Afrika het onlangs die syfers vir Maart 2007 se arbeidersmagopname bekend gemaak en soos nou eintlik al gewoonte geword het, meer vrae laat onstaan as wat beantwoord word.

Kyk bv na die afgelope ses jaar se toe – of (af) names:  2002:  +162 000; 
2003:  (-45 000);  2004:  (-30 000);  2005:  (-88 000);  2006:  +147 000;  2007:  (-243 000).

Wat grootliks dié verwarring meebring is dat formele werksgeleenthede (hoofsaaklik in die kommersiële landbou sektor) en informele werksgeleenthede (hoofsaaklik in bestaansboerderye en seisoenarbeid) saamgetel word en dit is die informele werksgeleenthede wat die groot skommelinge toon.  Die syfer vir 2006 in die formele landbousektor is 606 000 en vir 2007, 604 000.

Verlede jaar se skerp styging van 147 000 is hoofsaaklik toegeskryf aan die sogenoemde Green Lite Projek in die Oos-Kaap om bestaansboere te vestig en vanjaar se groot daling van 243 000 word weer daaraan toegeskryf dat die Green Lite Projek feitlik heeltemal in duie gestort het.

Toyota SA/Agri SA Jongboer van die jaar kompetisie
Kobus Visser, Direkteur:  Korporatiewe Skakeling

Die Nasionale Toyota SA/Agri SA Jongboer van die Jaar kompetisie waar daar gesoek word na jong, dinamiese inisiatief is vir 2008 afgehandel.  In hierdie Agri SA kompetisie wat deur Toyota SA geborg word, het die soektog na dinamiese jong boere met vars gedagtes en wie nie tevrede is met die alledaagse nie, uitstekende finaliste soos in die verlede opgelewer.  Die vraag is nou, wie gaan op 21 November 2007 die gesogte titel en ‘n Toyota Land Cruiser 70 bakkie inpalm? 

Die wenner van dié gesogte titel gaan uit een van die volgende provinsiale wenners aangewys word:

• Wim Scholtz van Agri Noordwes
• Naudé Rossouw van Agri Mpumalanga
• Ters Pretorius van Vrystaat Landbou
• Robbert Graaff van Agri Wes-Kaap
• Nicolaas Muller van Agri Gauteng
• Carel Minnaar van Agri Limpopo
• Brandon Karg van Kwanalu
• David Cock van Agri Oos-Kaap
• Gabriël Viljoen van Agri Noord-Kaap

Agri SA wens die 9 finaliste sterkte toe met die laaste deel van die kompetisie.  Dié jong boere is ware ambassadeurs vir die organisasie en vir die landbousektor.

Agri SA lede vereer
Kobus visser, Direkteur:  Korporatiewe Skakeling

Die Noordelike Landbouskrywers het op 12 Oktober 2007 drie van Agri SA se lede vereer en erkenning gegee aan hulle buitengewone prestasies in die landbou.  Twee van die lede is ook voormalige Springbok rugbyspelers naamlik dr John Williams van Limpopo, en Chris Rossouw van Mpumalanga.  In die Gauteng provinsie het die eer die Mallison-boerdery te beurt geval.

Dr Williams boer met Bonsmara-beeste, Boerbokke, Dorpers en Wild in die Alldays-omgewing.  Hy is ook ‘n voormalige voorsitter van Agri Limpopo en behaal besondere goeie sukses met sy voervloei program om sy vee- en wildboerdery vlot te laat verloop.  Die Rossouw-familie boerdery in Delmas fokus hoofsaaklik op mielies, droë bone, Beefmaster beeste, pluimvee, sitrus en tafeldruiwe.  Die Mallison’s boer met 800 melkbeeste buite Pretoria en die melk en room word sedert 1988 aan die Woolworths-groep verskaf.

Hierdie provinsiale wenners sal met kandidate van ander provinsies meeding om die titel van Nasionale Boer van die Jaar wat op 9 November 2007 bekend gemaak sal word.  Agri SA wens graag hierdie lede sterkte toe met die kompetisie.

Polokwane Gholf Klub gasheer vir agtste gholfdag
Kobus Visser, Direkteur:  Korporatiewe Skakeling

Die Absa/Agri Securitas gholfreeks, waarvan een gholfdag, in elke provinsie aangebied word is ‘n fondsinsamelingsgeleentheid vir die Agri Securitas Trustfonds en om weereens ‘n bewustheid te skep by die publiek oor die negatiewe effek wat landelike misdaad op landbou het.  By die geleentheid het dr Theo de Jager, vise president van Agri Limpopo gesê dat om landbou te laat gedy, ‘n versigting van baie boere is en om in veiligheid te kan voortgaan met hulle beroep as landbouers.  Die invloed van misdaad op boere se veiligheid, koste en verliese aan inkomste is een van talle frustrasies van boere.  Hy het voortgegaan om te sê dat sedert 1991 daar reeds meer as 9600 plaasaanvalle voorgekom het waartydens meer as 1560 moorde gepleeg is.  Daarby beloop die koste van misdaad vir die landbousektor jaarliks meer as R1 miljard.  Sonder ‘n veilige en vooruitstrewende kommersiële landbousektor is landelike stabiliteit en landelike ekonomiese groei nie gewaarborg nie, het hy ten slotte gesê. 

Die agtste gholfdag is op Donderdag, 11 Oktober 2007 by die Polokwane Gholf Klub in Polokwane gehou.  Die wenners van die dag was die Ford handelaar in Pietersburg met die span van Total SA wat die tweede prys ingepalm het.

Die Trustfonds het reeds meer as 75 projekte gefinansier in ‘n poging om ‘n veiliger omgewing vir die landbougemeenskap te help skep waarin hulle voedsel kan produseer vir die land se groeiende bevolking.  Die Trust Fonds het bydraes gemaak tot die aankoop van radio’s vir Agri Bosveld, Agri Letaba en ook bygedra tot die Soutpansberg distrikslandbou-unie se landelike beveiligings-inisiatiewe in die Limpopo provinsie.

Die titelborg vir die reeks is Absa en die volgende maatskappye is nasionale borge:  Panner Saad, Mutual & Federal Agri, Omnia, Barloworld Motor, Vodacom, Alexander Forbes, Ford SA, Sanlam, Golf Haven en Landbouweekblad.

Op provinsiale vlak is die volgende instansies by die gholfdag betrokke:   Total SA, Pfizer, Demokratiese Alliansie, Ford, Agri Letaba, Auto World en Agri Lephalale.

Die laaste gholfdag vind op 1 November 2007 by die Leopark Gholfbaan in Mafikeng plaas.  Belangstellendes wat aan hierdie gholfdag wil deelneem is welkom om vir Lans Pepler te kontak by progolfm@telkomsa.net of 082 787 2472.

PRESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE WORKING GROUP
Hans van der Merwe, Executive Director

The Working Group met on 9 October 2007 and discussed the following:

o The review of the Strategic Plan for South African Agriculture is on track and should be completed by the end of this year.   The document will be discussed with the President in a full day session at the first meeting of the Working Group in 2008.   Agri SA will soon distribute its draft input in the review process to affiliates for commentary. 
o The Director General of the National Department of Agriculture, Masiphula Mbongwa, gave a comprehensive presentation on the Presidential Priority Programmes (a power point presentation is available on request) aimed at land and agriculture reform, which include the following:
- Making 5 million hectare of agricultural land currently owned by whites available to 10 000 black agricultural producers.
- An increase of 10% in the number of black entrepreneurs in agribusiness.
- Improved access for the target group to agricultural support services. 
- An increase of 10 – 15% in agricultural production by the target group.
- An increase of 10 – 15% in agricultural trade by the target group

The Chief Land Claims Commissioner welcomed an offer by the Cane Growers’ Association for capacity assistance.  
o The President requested the expeditious implementation of institutional arrangements that will facilitate agriculture’s input with the consideration of tariffs on agricultural products.   He also indicated that government will soon consider policy guidance to ITAC with respect to a differentiated approach towards agricultural products.
o The meeting noted a report from the National Agricultural Marketing Council indicating that higher global food prices is the result of higher fuel prices, the bio-fuels industry and higher demand in countries such as China and India.   This trend will continue for a number of years.   Agri SA submitted a report that indicated that a local bio-fuels industry would not hold negative implications for household food security.   Agri SA pointed to the need for finalising the bio-fuels policy as a pre-condition for investment in this sector.
o The meeting noted that Minister Lulu Xingwana forwarded the AgriBEE Charter to the Dti for gazetting.  
o The President expressed extreme discomfort regarding the current time delay between declaration of a disaster and the point when assistance reaches those who need it.   He instructed the relevant departments to seek and implement an acceptable solution to eliminate such delays.  
o Agri SA and others informed the President of the growing discomfort in farming circles about statements by the Minister and Deputy Minister regarding evictions and expropriations.   The President emphasised the need for greater consensus on these issues and welcomed the proposed meeting between the Minister and agricultural unions the following day to resolve the impasse.  

At a subsequent media conference Deputy Minister, Dirk du Toit, described continued evictions of farm dwellers as ethnic cleansing and apartheid behaviour, to which the agricultural unions reacted strongly.  

Agri SA’s report on this meeting is available on its website.

MEETING WITH MINISTER LULU XINGWANA
Hans van der Merwe, Executive Director

The agricultural unions, (Agri SA, TAU SA and NAFU SA) and FAWU met with the Minister on 12 October 2007.   The Minister alleged that there was a real eviction problem that should be acknowledged.   Instead of classifying evictions as “legal” or “illegal” the ministry used the words “formal” and “informal”.  The Minister regarded all forms of evictions as problematic and requested co-operation with the withholding of evictions until contingency plans can be implemented.   The agricultural unions stressed the importance of sharing information regarding evictions as a point of departure.   It was indicated that the pro-active land acquisition strategy would be used, within the framework of the Presidential Priority Programmes, to acquire five million hectares of land for the settlement of farm dwellers and evictees.   Treasury will provide the required funding.   The programmes will be kicked off in two hotspots, namely in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.  

It was further agreed that regular and structured consultations between the Minister and the Principals of the Unions is necessary to improve consensus on key agricultural issues.   For this purpose an Agricultural Advisory Council will be established supported by an Agricultural Forum comprising of the CEO’s of the relevant departments, agricultural unions and other relevant organisations.   The details of the functioning of these structures must still be worked out and agreed to.  
 

HOW MANY WORKERS ON FARMS
Kobus Kleynhans

Statistics South Africa accently released the figures for the March 2007 labour force survey. As has become almost a habit, more questions than answers flowed from the Statistics.

Let us for instance look at the past six years increases and decreases in the farming sector:  2002:  +162 000;  2003:  (-451 000);  2004:  (-30 000);  2005:  (-88 000);  2006:  +147 000;  2007:  (-243 000)

These confusing figures are largely due to the fact that they include both formal employment (Commercial farming sector) and informal employment (mainly subsistence agriculture and seasonal work).  It is this second category (informal) which sharply fluctuates from year to year.  In the formal sector the employment figures for 2006 was 606 000 and 604 000 for 2007.

Last years sharp increase of 147 000 was mainly attributed to the so called Green Lite Project in the Eastern Cape aimed at establishing large numbers of subsistence farmers.  This year’s sharp decrease was again attributed to the Green Lite Project indicating that the project had just about collapsed completely.
TOYOTA SA/AGRI SA YOUNG FARMER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
Kobus Visser, Director:  Corporate Liaison

The 2007 National Toyota SA/Agri SA Young Farmer of the Year competition, an initiative aimed at identifying young dynamic farmers, has now come to an end.  This Agri SA competition, sponsored by Toyota SA, searched for dynamic young farmers with fresh ideas and who are not satisfied with the ordinary, produced excellent finalists, as has been the case in the past.  The question now is who will walk away with the sought-after title and a Toyota Land Cruiser 70 bakkie on 21 November 2007.

The winner of this title will be selected from one of the following provincial winners:

• Wim Scholtz of Agri North West
• Naudé Rossouw of Agri Mpumalanga
• Ters Pretorius of Free State Agriculture
• Robbert Graaff of Agri Western Cape
• Nicolaas Muller of Agri Gauteng
• Carel Minnaar of Agri Limpopo
• Brandon Karg of Kwanalu
• David Cock of Agri Eastern Cape
• Gabriël Viljoen of Agri Northern Cape

Agri SA extends its good wishes to all nine finalists for the last part of the competition.  These young farmers are true ambassadors for the organisation and for the agricultural sector.
AGRI SA MEMBERS HONOURED
Kobus Visser, Director:  Corporate Liaison

On 12 October 2007 the Northern Agricultural Writers honoured three Agri SA’s members in recognition of their extraordinary achievements in agriculture.  Two of the members are also former Springbok rugby players, namely Dr Johan Williams of Limpopo and Chris Rossouw of Mpumalanga.  In Gauteng the honour went to the Mallison Farm.

Dr Williams farms with Bonsmara cattle, boerbok, dorpers and game in the Alldays district.  He is also a former chairman of Agri Limpopo and has been very successful with his feed-flow programme to enhance his stock and game operations.  The Rossouw family farm in Delmas focuses largely on maize, dry beans, Beefmaster cattle, poultry, citrus and table grapes.  The Mallisons farm with 800 dairy cattle outside Pretoria.  They have been delivering milk and cream to the Woolworths group since 1988.

These provincial winners will compete with candidates from other provinces for the title of National Farmer of the Year. The winner of the competition will be announced on 9 November 2007.  Agri SA extends to these members its good wishes for the competition.
POLOKWANE GOLF CLUB HOSTS 8TH GOLF DAY
Kobus Visser, Director:  Corporate Liaison

The Absa/Agri Securitas series of golf days, one of which is hosted in each province, serves as fundraising events for the Agri Securitas Trust Fund and is intended to create renewed awareness on the part of the public of the negative impact that rural crime has on agriculture.

On this occasion, Dr Theo de Jager, Vice President of Agri Limpopo, said that in order to allow agriculture to prosper, many farmers desire simply to practise their profession in a safe environment.  The influence of crime on farmers’ safety, production costs and income is a source of many frustrations.  Since 1991 there has been more than 9600 farm attacks during which more than 1560 murders were committed.  The cost of crime for the agricultural sector amounts to more than R1 billion a year.  Without a safe and prosperous commercial agricultural sector, stability in agriculture and growth in the rural economy cannot be guaranteed, he concluded.

The 8th golf day was held on Thursday 11 October 2007 at the Polokwane Golf Club in Polokwane.  The winner of the day was the Ford dealership in Pietersburg, with the team of Total SA taking the second prize.
 
The Trust Fund has already financed more than 75 projects in an attempt to create a safer environment for the farming community where they can produce food for the country’s growing population.  The Trust Fund has made contributions to the purchase of radios for Agri Bosveld and Agri Letaba and has also contributed to the Soutpansberg district agricultural union’s rural safety initiatives in the Limpopo province.

The title sponsor for the series is Absa, while the following are national sponsors:  Panner Saad, Mutual & Federal Agri, Omnia, Barloworld Motor, Vodacom, Alexander Forbes, Ford SA, Sanlam, Golf Haven and Landbouweekblad.

At provincial level the following organisations were involved in the golf days:   Total SA, Pfizer, the Democratic Alliance, Ford, Agri Letaba, Auto World and Agri Lephalale.

The final golf day is planned for 1 November 2007 at the Leopark golf course in Mafikeng.  Anyone interested in participating in this golf day is welcome to contact Lans Pepler at progolfm@telkomsa.net or 082 787 2472.

RSG LandbouNuus

Agri SA, MPO SA en Graan SA is gesamentlik verantwoordelik vir die RSG LandbouNuus program wat van Maandag tot Donderdag tussen 12:30 en 12:45 op RSG uitgesaai word.  ‘n Seleksie van die week se programme word nou Donderdagoggende om 04:30 uitgesaai.  Die program word ondersteun deur borge en bevat aktuele landbounuus en aktualiteitsbesprekings en op Maandae en Donderdae word daar kortliks na die weer gekyk.

Erkenning word aan die volgende borge en medewerkers gegee- wat van die program ‘n sukses help maak:  Agri SA, MPO, Graan SA, Agri Connect, Agri Bonus, Phizer, UniGrain, Cape Wools’ SA, The Maize Trust, Olie Advieskomitee, Voermol, Sanlam Cobalt, Vodacom en Pannar.
 

AgriTV

SABC 2  Maandae – Vrydae 05:45
SABC Africa (kanaal 53) Sondae 12:30

Ons spreek oudergewoonte landboukwessies aan, kyk na die jongste markpryse.
We have a look at what the weather holds.
 Lekker boer! / Enjoy your farming!

Hierdie nuusbrief word saamgestel en uitgereik deur Agri SA Korporatiewe Skakeling
This newsletter is compiled and issued by Agri SA Corporate Liaison

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