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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 Agri SA Nuusbrief word saamgestel uit berigte en brokkies van die Algemene Sake-, Bedryfs- en Landboubesigheidskamers, vir u inligting en verspreiding
This Agri SA Newsletter is compiled for your information and use from articles and snippets supplied by the General Affairs,  Commodity and Agricultural  Business Chambers

4 Junie 2008
10/2008
In die nuusbrief:
? Openbare verhore oor Onteieningswetsontwerp
? Presidensiële Werksgroep vir Kommersiële Landbou
? Agri SA kommentaar aan NERSA
? VN Kommissie vir volhoubare ontwikkeling
? Die Agri tydskrif beskikbaar op die web
? ENGEN/OFM Sportaand groot sukses
? As Jongboer is ek lus vir die boerdery – ek is hier om te bly!
? Geleenthede bestaan vir ‘n suksesvolle boerdery
? Parlementêre verslag: 5 – 9 Mei 2008

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
? SCHEDULE:  PUBLIC HEARINGS ON EXPROPRIATION BILL
? PROVINCIAL HEARINGS ON EXPROPRIATION BILL
? PRESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE WORKING GROUP
? AGRI SA COMMENTARY TO NERSA
? UN COMMISSION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
? THE AGRI MAGAZINE ON THE INTERNET
? ENGEN/OFM SPORTS EVENING A GREAT SUCCESS
? AS A YOUNG FARMER, I LOVE FARMING – I AM HERE TO STAY!
? OPPORTUNITIES EXIST TO ESTABLISH A SUCCESSFUL FARMING OPERATION
? PARLIAMENTARY REPORT: 5 – 9 MAY 2008
? THE SASOL INZALO SHARE INVITATION

Ondersteun ons vennote
 Agri Securitas Trust Fund Partners
These partners make a contribution towards the safety of the farming community
Absa AgriBusiness
Enquiries:  011-350 6854 or your nearest Absa branch  Sanlam
Enquiries:  Adv Kobus Engelbrecht 021-947 4506
Nissan SA
Enquiries:  Francois Jacobs 083 471 4855 CrisisOnCall
Enquiries:  Marius Vermaak 083 302 7576
 
Partners makeing a contribution in various fields within Agri SA
With their financial contributions, these partners have already demonstrated their support for the farmer and agriculture
Absa AgriBusiness
Enquiries:  011-350 6854 or your nearest Absa branch  T & E Finops
Enquiries:  Esmé Theron 0861 440 666
Barloworld
Enquiries:  Adelé Smit 083 660 0799 Total SA
Enquiries:  Contact your local co-op or Agri branch
Agri SA Group Provident Fund
Enquiries:  Sakkie Hurd at (012)431 3333 or sakkieh@absa.co.za 
Agri SA het groot waardering vir die vennote se betrokkenheid by die organisasie en die breë landbou

    ABSA / Agri Securitas gholfdae
Vrystaat 5 Junie Schoemanpark – Bloemfontein
KwaZulu Natal 26 Junie Pietermaritzburg Gholfklub
Oos-Kaap 22 Julie Port Elizabeth
Wes-Kaap 28 Augustus Devonvale – Stellenbosch
Mpumalanga 18 September Graceland Gholfklub
Noord-Kaap 23 Oktober Upington Gholfklub
Limpopo 30 Oktober Polokwane Gholfklub
Noordwes 6 November Rustenburg Gholfklub
Naamborg:  Absa  Hoofborg:  Santam  
Nasionale borge:  Barloworld Motor, Mutual & Federal Agri, Alexnader Forbes, Ford SA, Phizer,
Total SA, Clover, Landbouweekblad en Farmers Weekly
Navrae kan aan Lans Pepler gerig word by (021) 872 8539 of e-pos progolfm@telkomsa.net
Openbare verhore oor Onteieningswetsontwerp
Annelize Crosby, Parlementêre verteenwoordiger, Adviseur:  Regs- & Grondsake

“Die Portefeuljekomitee op Openbare Werke is tans besig om openbare verhore in die provinsies te hou oor die omstrede Onteieningswetsontwerp.  Agri SA moedig sy affiliasies aan om deel te neem aan hierdie verhore.  Agri SA se skriftelike voorlegging oor die wetsontwerp, asook ander ondersteunende dokumentasie is aan Provinsiale Unies beskikbaar gestel en is op aanvraag beskikbaar.  Dit is belangrik dat lede hul standpunte oor die wetsontwerp duidelik stel en laat notuleer by hierdie vergaderings.  Ander rolspelers soos sakelui, prokureurs en eiendomsagente behoort ook aangemoedig te word om die verhore by te woon en insette te lewer.

Die program van verhore word as aparte dokument hierby aangeheg en is ook beskikbaar op Agri SA se webwerf www.agrisa.co.ca

Presidensiële Werksgroep vir Kommersiële Landbou

‘n Vergadering van die Presidensiële Kommersiële Landbou-werksgroep, waarvan President Thabo Mbeki die voorsitter is, het op Mei 2008 in Kaapstad plaasgevind.  Die vergadering is bygewoon deur verskeie kabinet ministers en amptenare van verskeie staatsdepartemente.

Die Minister van Landbou en Grondsake het in haar openingsopmerkings verwys na die onlangse CSD16 vergadering wat sy in New York bygewoon het waar die behoefte aan hoër landbouproduksie uitgelig is.  Sy het ook verwys na werk wat gedoen is sedert die vorige Presidensiële werksgroepvergadering, naamlik afhandeling van die AgriSEB-handves proses, die samestelling van ‘n handvesraad, voorsiening vir ramphulp en vordering met die hersiening van die Sektorplan.  Die President het gevra dat finalisering van die hersieningsproses bespoedig word en dat die taakgroep dit moet afhandel teen die einde van Junie 2008.

Agri SA het sy tevredenheid met die konsepverslag oor die hersiening van die Sektorplan uitgespreek.  Daar is weereens daarop gewys dat met klein wysigings die huidige Sektorplan steeds voldoen aan die vereistes van rolspelers onder huidige omstandighede.  Volgens Agri SA, verteenwoordig die Sektorplan ‘n versigtig gebalanseerde sintese van aspirasies en bree doelstellings, wat nie beskou moet word as ‘n implementeringsplan nie.  Die verslag het tekortkominge ten opsigte van implementering uitgewys waarop die taakspan met wanneer hulle die hersieningsproses finaliseer.

Minister Xingwana het aan die President genoem dat sy met die belangegroepe samesprekings gevoer oor die verwysingsraamwerk en samestelling van ‘n landbou-adviesraad.  Sodanige raad sal die minister en prinsipale van belangegroepe ‘n geleentheid bied om politieke kwessies en strategiese opsies binne die breër landbou-omgewing te bespreek wat oorweeg moet word ten einde die bedryf vorentoe te neem.

Agri SA het, onder andere, genoem dat boere nie prysmakers is nie; dat maatreëls benodig word om plaaslike produksie te stimuleer sodat die opwaartse druk op voedsel gestuit kan word; dat vinnig stygende insetkoste op plaasvlak ‘n groot bron van kommer is aangesien dit toekomstige produksie sal beïnvloed; dat die bydrae wat kommersiële boere lewer na waarde geskat moet word as deel van die oplossing vir die voedselpryskrisis; en dat onvoldoende tariefbeskerming in die verlede een van die hoof redes is waarom Suid-Afrika ‘n invoerder van groot hoeveelhede koring geword het.  Die Landboubesigheidskamer (LBK) het verder beklemtoon dat vertroue en geloof ‘n voorvereiste vir beleggings en groei is in die landbousektor.  In hierdie verband moet die veiligheid en sekuriteit van produsente groter aandag geniet.

‘n Dokument saamgestel deur georganiseerde landbou wat handel oor ‘n wye reeks landelike veiligheidsaangeleenthede is aan die vergadering voorgelê.  Agri SA het verwys na praktiese probleme wat op plaaslike vlak ondervind word met die implementering van die sektorpolisiëringstelsel wat in beginsel ‘n uitstekende benadering tot misdaadbestryding behels.

Agri SA het die President ingelig oor die probleme wat hy ervaar met die Onteieningswetsontwerp en die hoop uitgespreek dat hierdie besware aangespreek sal word gedurende die parlementêre proses.  Die vergadering het ook kennis geneem van die landboubedryf se kommer oor die negatiewe impak van waterbesoedeling op voedselveiligheid en uitvoer moontlikhede.  ‘n Oorsig van die oorsake van die huidige voedselpryskrisis en hoe ander regerings op sodanige krisis reageer, asook tendense in verband met die pryse van spesifieke voedselsoorte, is ook aan die vergadering voorgehou.

Agri SA kommentaar aan NERSA

Agri SA het op 29 Mei 2008 sy kommentaar aan NERSA voorgelê rakende Eskom se aansoek vir ‘n tariefverhoging vir die 2008/09 finansiële jaar. 

Agri SA se voorlegging aan NERSA is op versoek beskikbaar, en kan ook gevind word op Agri SA se webbald:  www.agrisa.co.za

VN Kommissie vir volhoubare ontwikkeling
Nic Opperman, Direkteur: Natuurlike Hulpbronne

Die Konferensie op die Omgewing en Ontwikkeling van die Verenigde Nasies (VN) het reeds in 1992 in Reo de Janeiro op die beginsels van volhoubare ontwikkeling ooreengekom en aksieplanne neergelê om dit te implementeer, soos dit vervat is in die sogenaamde Agenda 21.   Die Wêreldspitsberaad vir Volhoubare Ontwikkeling is in 2002 in Johannesburg aangebied, tien jaar na na die Rio Beraad om die hele proses in oënskou te neem. Voortspruitend uit die JHB Beraad is die vertrekpunte van Agenda 21 herbevestig en het die Johannesburg Plan van Implementering die lig gesien. 

Die VN hou jaarliks vergaderings van die Kommissie vir Volhoubare Ontwikkeling (CSD) waartydens bepaalde temas in Agenda 21 bespreek word.  Die aard van die temas is reeds vooruit bepaal en volg in twee jaar tematiese siklus. Jaar een behels die oorweging van die vordering wat met die temas gemaak is en jaar twee fokus op beleidmaking, sodat riglyne vir implementering beskikbaar is.  Die VN het pas die sestiende vergadering van die CSD in New York aangebied.  Die Kommissie word saamgestel uit die regerings-verteenwoordigers van die VN se lidlande betrokke by omgewingsaangeleenthede.  Verder word die Kommissie aangevul uit verteenwoordigers van die nege hoof belangegroepe soos vermeld in Agenda 21. Landbou, of te wel ‘boere’ soos dit omskryf is, is een van die hoof belangegroepe.

Agri SA was by die Internasionale Federasie van Landbouprodusente (IFLP) se afvaardiging ingesluit wat die verrigtinge gedurende die eerste week by die VN in New York bygewoon het. Die Kommissie was vanaf 5 Mei tot 16 Mei in sitting.

Die Kommissie se verrigtinge was vir ons belangrik, aangesien die temas op die landbou, grond, landelike ontwikkeling, droogte, verwoestyning en Afrika gefokus het.  Die opsomming van gebeure van die CSD-voorsitter is op die VN se webbladsy by http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/review.htm beskikbaar.  Die tersaaklike voorleggings van die IFLP-afvaardiging by die CSD kan by http://ifap.org.en/index.html besoek word.

Die Agri tydskrif beskikbaar op die web
Zelna Oberholster, Bestuurder Advertensie & Promosies

Die Agri tydskrif is op sy eie bladsye beskikbaar op die web. Belangstellendes kan gerus gaan loer en kommentaar lewer. Die hoofartikels is beskikbaar deur op die betrokke uitgawe se inhoudsblad op die uitgeligte artikels se druk, wat u dan sal neem na die artikel, soos wat dit verskyn in die tydskrif.

Onthou ook om deel te neem aan die verskeie kompetisies. Die ‘Beste pomp in elke dorp’ – ‘n KSB pomp ter waarde van R15 000 is eksklusief op die spel aan Agri SA lede. Maak gou om te verseker dat u nie die geleentheid misloop nie. Sluitingsdatum is 13 Junie 2008.

Die bladsy voeg verdere waarde toe aan adverteerders deur hul logos te laat verskyn.  U kan ook die Agri personeel volg op die ‘Agri was hier blad’ wat gereeld opdateer sal word met fotos van geleenthede wat bygewoon is. Vir verdere navrae, kontak Zelna Oberholster by 012-300 9525

Besoek:  http://www.agrisa.co.za/Agri/Agri.htm

ENGEN/OFM Sportaand groot sukses
Kobus Visser, Direkteur:  Korporatiewe Skakeling

Die vyfde OFM Prestige Sportaand waarvan Engen die hoofborg was, is tydens die NAMPO Oesdag 2008 by die Rio Tusk Casino in Klerksdorp aangebied en het ‘n bedrag van nagenoeg R130 000 opgelewer vir die Agri Securitas Trustfonds ten bate van landelike veiligheid.  Os du Randt wat ‘n besondere mylpaal in sy lewe bereik het, toe hy verlede jaar vir die tweede keer in ‘n Springbok Wêreldbeker wenspan gespeel het, was die gasspreker tydens die aand.

Gaste het saam met Os die 2007 rugby wêreldbeker herleef en vasgenael gesit op hulle sitplekke met interessante vertellings uit sy roemryke rugby loopbaan.  Hy het aan die einde gesê dat hy hom graag self vereenselwig met die doelstellings van die trustfonds en as boer in die Henneman-omgewing sy waardering uitgespreek vir die bydrae wat deur dié fonds gelewer word tot die beveiliging van die landbougemeenskap. 

Die voorsitter van die trustfonds, Japie Grobler het by die geleentheid OFM en Engen bedank vir hulle inisiatief om op dié wyse ook ‘n bydra te maak tot die beveiliging van die boeregemeenskap.  Hy het gewys op die koste van misdaad vir die ekonomie van Suid-Afrika wat op 18,9% van die BBP geraam word volgens die Wêreldbank se verslag van 2005.  Die direkte koste van misdaad vir die landbou is geraam op R1 miljard gedurende 2002 deur Statistiek SA, maar die syfer kan nou baie meer wees.  Sedert 1991 tot Maart 2007 het meer as 10 400 plaasaanvalle en meer as 1 500 moorde voorgekom in die boerdery-gebiede.  Hy het gesê dat die trustfonds reeds meer as 75 misdaad-bestrydingsinisiatiewe befonds het waardeur verskeie lewens gespaar en trauma voorkom is. Sodanige inisiatiewe sluit in ‘n pro-aktiewe misdaadinligtings-insamelinginisitiatief in vennootskap met die SAPD, verskaffing van radio’s en herleistelsels, oprigting van goedgekeurde valhekke, befondsing van inligtingsbrosjures en die befondsing van traumaberadingswerkswinkels vir slagoffers van landelike misdaad. 

Gedurende die aand se verrigtinge, is ‘n Ford Bantam bakkie wat met die komplimente van Barloworld Motor, een van Agri SA se gewaardeerde vennote geskenk is, opgefeil ten bate van die trustfonds.

OFM het na afloop van die aand se funksie verskeie komplimente ontvang van borge wat reeds aangedui het dat hulle graag weer by die 2009 Prestige Sportaand betrokke wil raak.  Erkenning word aan die volgende instansies en individue gegee wat ‘n tafel vir die aand bespreek en/of ‘n donasie gemaak het: Engen, OFM, Standard Bank, MacSteel Klerksdorp, Builders Market, Suidwes Landbou, NWK, Senwes, Santam Agri, Ottosdal Boere-unie, Agri Bonus, Rock Building Supplies, Barloworld Motor, Vrystaat Landbou Wet- en Orde komitee, Tube Stone, Attitude Plus, Anglo Gold Ashanti, Chris Pretorius, Claude Möller, Theo en Melonie Ferreira, Wendy Thabete en Adél Schoeman.

As Jongboer is ek lus vir die boerdery – ek is hier om te bly!
Kobus Visser, Direkteur:  Korporatiewe Skakeling

Agri Mpumalanga, het tydens ‘n spog geleentheid op 20 Mei 2008 wat saamgeval het met sy jaarlikse kongres, sy Jongboer van die Jaar aangekondig.  Wilscott Radley, vanjaar se wenner, boer saam met sy ouers en broers op die plaas “EENDAG”, naby Malelane.
Die boerdery bestaan uit 485 ha suikerriet, 90 ha sitrus, 30 ha mangoes, 200 Nguni stoet beeste en boer op 850 ha met wild.  Wilscott is veantwoordelik vir die suikerrietproduksie, meganisasie, besproeiing- en die ontwikkeling van die wildbedryf op die plaas. Die suikerriet bestaan uit 385 ha oorhoofse besproeiing, 100 ha drupbesproeiing en 40 ha spilpuntbesproeiing word tans ontwikkel.  Die plaas het ‘n opbrengs van +- 99 ton per ha wat slegs moontlik is deur effektiewe water bestuur en -skedulering. Die mikpunt is om meer hektare onder drupbesproeiing te vestig en sodoende water verbruik te optimaliseer.  In die Onderberg-gebied is alle gewasaanplantings baie afhanklik van besproeiing.
Wilscott het gematrikuleer aan die Nelspruit Hoërskool en sy Landbou Ingenieursgraad verwerf aan die Universiteit van Pretoria.  Na sy universiteitsopleiding het hy verdere praktiese ondervinding in England opgedoen. 
Hy is met Brigitte getroud en is onlangs ‘n seuntjie ryker geword.  Hy speel rugby vir Malelane Klub en is ook betrokke by georganiseerde landbou as voorsitter van Onderberg Boere-unie.
Wilscott is die tweede finalis in die 2008 Toyota Jongboer van die jaar kompetisie.

Geleenthede bestaan vir ‘n suksesvolle boerdery
Kovus Visser, Direkteur:  Korporatiewe Skakeling

Willem Marx is tydens ‘n spog geleentheid by Bundu Coutry Lodge op 23 Mei 2008  gekroon as Agri Noordwes se Jongboer van die Jaar.  Willie boer sedert voltooiing van sy skoolloopbaan aktief op die helfte van die plaas Brakpan tesame met sy pa in die Wolmaransstad-distrik.  Willie is ongetroud en boer reeds agt jaar lank.

Sy verantwoordelikhede sluit in, gewasproduksie, beesboerdery en algemene boerdery aktiwiteite.  Hy hanteer ook die diamant delwery apart van die boerdery.  Die boerdery bestaan uit die volgende bedryfsvertakkings, naamlik mielies 43%, delwery 50% en beeste 7%.  Willie se visie vir die boerdery is dat dit as ? besigheid bedryf moet word om  maksimum wins te lewer en hulpbronne optimaal te benut om volhoubare produksie te verseker.

Willie glo dat landbou ? belangrike rol in die ekonomie speel omdat boerdery ? groot bron van werksverskaffing in die platteland is en dus die lewensvatbaarheid van die dorpe en gemeenskappe verseker.  Verder voorsien landbou voedsel van hoogstaande gehalte teen mededingende pryse aan die bevolking van Suid-Afrika.  Hy is van mening dat daar baie geleenthede bestaan om ? suksesvolle boerdery op die been te bring en volhoubaar te produseer.  Jong boere moet hierdie geleenthede benut en nuwe moontlikhede vir uitbreiding ondersoek en aangryp.
 
Verder is hy ook ? aktiewe lid van die Welverdiend Boerevereniging.  Hy is betrokke by Verwes Maatskaplike Dienste en ondersteun tans ? student finansieel.  Willie glo dit is van kardinale belang dat die gemeenskap doen wat hy kan om minderbevoorregtes te help. 

Wille is die derde finalis in die 2008 Toyota Jongboer van die Jaar kompetisie.

Parlementêre verslag: 5 – 9 Mei 2008
Annelize Crosby, Parlementêre verteenwoordiger, Adviseur:  Regs- & Grondsake

Landbank:  Strategiese Plan en begroting
Op 6 Mei 2008 het die Landbank ‘n voorlegging gedoen aan die Portefeuljekomitee op Landbou en Grondsake oor hul Strategiese Plan en begroting.  Die Minister van Landbou en Grondsake het ook die vergadering bygewoon en het die lede van die nuwe Landbankraad aan die Portefeuljekomitee bekend gestel.  Die nuwe Raadslede is op 5 Mei 2008 deur die Kabinet aangestel.  Die nuwe voorsitter is Mnr Themba Langa.  Ander lede sluit in : Prof Herman van Schalkwyk, Reverend Otto Mbangula, Me Patience Mnxasana, Me Jesmane Boggenpoel, Mnre Malungelo Zilimbola, Patrick Mathidi, en Modise Motloba.  Mnr Langa het die Portefeuljekomitee ingelig dat die forensiese verslag oor die beweerde onreëlmatighede binne die Landbank terugverwys is na die Bank vir verdere interne ondersoeke.  ‘n Komitee is deur die Raad aangestel om die saak verder te ondersoek en aanbevelings te maak.  Die Voorsitter het erken dat die Bank oor die laaste vyf jaar lae vlakke van kapitaal gehandhaaf het en verliese gely het.  Hy het ook erken dat die Bank nie voldoen aan sy ontwikkelingsmandaat nie.  Benewens die ontwikkelingsrol van die Landbank, het dit ook ‘n rol om kommersiële boere te ondersteun en voedselsekuriteit te help verseker. ‘n Uiteensetting is gegee van die Bank se medium – en langtermyn strategie.  ‘n Bedrog en korrupsie-voorkomingsplan is ook aan die Portefeuljekomitee voorgehou.

Departement van Handel en Nywerheid:  “Consumer Protection Bill”
Op 6 Mei 2008 het die Departement van Handel en Nywerheid ‘n voorlegging gedoen oor die “Consumer Protection Bill” aan die Portefeuljekomitee op Handel en Nywerheid.  Daar bestaan ‘n behoefte na omvattende wetgewing wat die regte van verbruikers sal beskerm.  Die wetgewing sal die gemeenregtelike regte van verbruikers kodifiseer.  Die wetgewing sal regte soos die reg op billike en regverdige verkoopsvoorwardes, die reg op billike en regverdige transaksies, die reg op billike n verantwoordelike advertering, die reg op kwaliteit, veiligheid en billike waarde en die reg op bekendmaking van inligting sal onder andere in die wetgewing beliggaam word.  Die volledige voorlegging is op aanvraag beskikbaar.

Kommissie op die Herstel van Grondregte:  Strategiese plan en begroting
Op 7 Mei 2008 het die Kommissie op die Herstel van Grondregte hul strategiese plan en begroting voorgehou aan die Portefeuljekomitee op Landbou en Grondsake.  Die waarnemende Hoofgrondeisekommissaris, Mnr Blessing Mphela het die voorlegging gedoen.  Hy het gesê dat gebeure soos die Grondberaad van 2005 en die Polokwane konferensie onder andere help rigting gee aan die Kommissie se strategiese posisionering.  Die Kommissie se projeksies is dat 2585 van die uitstaande 4998 eise teen die einde van 2008 geskik sal wees.  Die Kommissie ondervind egter baie probleme, wat insluit konflik binne gemeenskappe en lang en duur onteieningsprosesse.  Tot op datum is 74 698 eise reeds geskik.  1994 miljoen hektaar grond is oorgedra.  Mnr Mphela het gesê dat daar 53 kennisgewings van voorneme om te onteien uitgereik is.  Daar is ook tans 105 sake voor die Grondeisehof.  Die Kommissie benodig nog ten minste R17.5 biljoen om die uitstaande eise te skik.  Sowat R 10.5 biljoen word benodig vir grondaankope.  Lede van die Komitee het hul twyfel uitgespreek oor of die Kommissie, gegewe sy rekord daarin sal kan slaag om die geprojekteerde teikens te bereik. 

SCHEDULE:  PUBLIC HEARINGS ON EXPROPRIATION BILL
Annelize Crosby, Parliamentary representative, Adviser:  Legal & Land Affairs

“The Portfolio Committee on Public Works is in the process of holding public hearings in the provinces regarding the controversial Expropriation Bill.  Agri SA wishes to encourage its affiliates to participate in such hearings.  Agri SA’s written submission on the bill as well as other supporting documentation has been made available to Provincial Unions and is available on request.  It is important that members express their views clearly and have them recorded during these meetings. Other role players, such as business people, attorneys and property agents, should also be encouraged to attend the hearings and to provide input. 

The programme for the hearings is attached as a separate document and is also available on Agri SA’s website.

PROVINCIAL HEARINGS ON EXPROPRIATION BILL
Hans van der Merwe, Executive Director

On 22 May 2008 Agri SA wrote a letter to the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Ms Tobias with regards to concerns about the provincial hearings on the expropriation Bill.  The contents of the letter read as follows:

Agri SA wishes to record its serious concern over the way in which the public hearings of the above Bill in the provinces are being dealt with.  There has been no proper notice of dates and venues of such hearings.  Our provincial affiliates complain that the chosen towns are not easily accessible and the choices of particular venues make little sense.  In KwaZulu-Natal for example all the proposed venues are in the north of the province.  There are suspicions that the venues were chosen in areas where land issues are very dominant and land NGO‘s well represented.  This approach marginalises other areas and communities.

We are informed that the meeting in Beaufort-West was poorly organised and poorly attended and that landowners were not given sufficient opportunity to record their opposition to certain clauses in the Bill.

We call on you to revise your program to have hearings in major centers as well as rural towns and to advertise these hearings timeously and adequately.

PRESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE WORKING GROUP

A meeting of the Presidential Commercial Agriculture Working Group that was chaired by President Thabo Mbeki took place on 20 May 2008 in Cape Town.  The meeting was attended by various cabinet ministers, deputy ministers and officials of various state departments. 

In her opening remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs alluded to the recent CSD16 meeting she attended in New York where the need for increased agricultural production was highlighted.  She also referred to work that has been done since the previous Presidential Working Group, namely the completion of the AgriBEE Charter process, the establishment of a charter council, provisions for disaster aid and progress with the review of the Sector Plan. The President requested that the finalisation of the review process be expedited and be completed by the task team by the end of June 2008.   

Agri SA expressed its satisfaction with the draft report of the review of the Sector Plan.  It was reiterated that with minor adjustments, the present Sector Plan still meets the requirements of role players in prevailing circumstances.  The Sector Plan represents, in Agri SA’s view, a carefully balanced synthesis of aspirations and broad goals, which should not be mistaken for an implementation plan.  The review report indicated shortcomings regarding implementation, which should be the focus of the task team with the completion of the review process. 

Minister Xingwana informed the President that she held discussions with stakeholders regarding the terms of reference and composition of an agricultural advisory council.  The council will provide the minister and principals of stakeholders an opportunity to discuss political issues and strategic options within the broader agricultural environment that should be considered to take the industry forward.

Agri SA said, amongst others, that farmers are not price makers but price takers; that measures are required to stimulate local production that could lower the upward pressure on food inflation; that fast rising input costs at farm level were a huge cause of concern as it would affect future production; that the contribution of commercial farmers must be valued as part of the solution for the food price crisis; and that insufficient (tariff) protection in the past was one on the main reasons for South Africa becoming an importer of significant quantities of wheat.  The Agricultural Business Chamber (ABC) further stressed the importance of trust and confidence in the sector and that it is a pre-condition for investment in and growth of the agriculture sector.  In this regard the safety and security of producers should be taken better care of. 

A document compiled by organised agriculture and addressing a wide range of rural safety and security issues, was presented to the meeting.  Agri SA alluded to practical problems experienced at local level with the implementation of the sector policing system, which was in principle an excellent approach towards combating crime.   

Agri SA informed the President about its concerns regarding the Expropriation Bill and expressed the hope that these concerns could be attended to during the parliamentary process.  The meeting also noted the agriculture industry’s concerns regarding the negative impact of water pollution on food safety and export opportunities.  An overview of the causes of the current food price crisis, how other governments react to this crisis and trends regarding the prices of specific foodstuffs were presented.
AGRI SA COMMENTARY TO NERSA

On 29 May Agri SA submitted its commentary to NERSA regarding Eskom’s application for a tariff increase for the 2008/09 financial year. 

Agri SA’s document to NERSA is available on request, and can also be found on Agri SA’s web page:  www.agrisa.co.za

UN COMMISSION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Nic Opperman, Director: Natural Resources

The United Nations (UN) Conference on the Environment and Development had, as early as 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, agreed on the principles of sustainable development and formulated plans of action for the implementation thereof, as contained in the so-called Agenda 21.  The World Summit on Sustainable Development was hosted in Johannesburg in 2002, 10 years after the Rio summit, to look at the overall process.  In light of the JHB Summit, the points of departure of Agenda 21 were reaffirmed, giving rise to the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI).

The UN annually hosts meetings of the Commission for Sustainable Development (CSD) where certain themes listed in Agenda 21 are discussed.  The nature of the themes is determined in advance and follows a two-year thematic cycle.  In Year 1, progress made with the themes is considered, while Year 2 focuses on policy-making so that guidelines are available for implementation.  The UN recently hosted the 16th meeting of the CSD in New York.  The Commission is composed of government representatives from UN member states involved in environmental matters.  The Commission is supplemented by representatives from the nine Major Groups mentioned in Agenda 21.  Agriculture, defined as “farmers“, forms one of the Major Groups.

Agri SA was included in the International Federation of Agricultural Producers’ (IFAP) delegation which attended the first week’s proceedings at the UN in New York.  The Commission was in session from 5 May to 16 May.

The Commission’s proceedings were of importance to us because the themes focused on agriculture, land, rural development, drought, desertification and Africa.  The CSD Chair’s summary of events is available on the UN’s webpage at http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/review.htm.  The relevant papers presented by the IFAP delegation at the CSD can be accessed at http://ifap.org.en/index.html.

THE AGRI MAGAZINE ON THE INTERNET
Zelna Oberholster, Manager: Advertising & Promotions

The Agri magazine is available on a separate page on the Internet. Interested parties are welcome to have a look and comment on this page. The main articles are available by clicking on the contents page’s highlighted articles of the particular issue, which will take you to the article, as it appears in the magazine.

Remember to participate in the ‘Beste pomp in elke dorp’ competition – a KSB pump worth R15 000 is the exclusive prize to Agri SA members. Hurry to ensure that you do not miss this opportunity. The closing date is 13 June 2008.

This page adds value to advertisers by displaying their logos. You can also follow the Agri staff on the  ‘Agri was here’ page, which will be updated regularly with photos of events attended. For more information, contact Zelna Oberholster at 012-300 9525.

 Visit: http://www.agrisa.co.za/Agri/Agri.htm

ENGEN/OFM SPORTS EVENING A GREAT SUCCESS
Kobus Visser, Director:  Corporate Liaison

The fifth OFM Prestige sports evening, of which Engen is the principal sponsor, was held during the 2008 NAMPO Harvest Day at the Rio Tusk Casino in Klerksdorp.  The event raised approximately R130 000 for the Agri Securitas Trust Fund in aid of rural safety.  Os du Randt, who had reached a special milestone in his life when he played for a second time for a Springbok World Cup winning team last year, was the guest speaker during the evening.

Guests joined Os in reliving the 2007 Rugby World Cup tournament and were rooted to their seats while listening to stories from his illustrious rugby career.  In closing he said that he could identify with the objectives of the trust fund and, as farmer in the Henneman district, expressed his appreciation for the contribution that the trust made to the safety of the farming community.

The chairman of the trust fund, Japie Grobler, thanked OFM and Engen for their initiative in contributing in such a manner towards the safety of the farmer community.  He referred to the cost of crime for the South African economy, which is estimated at 18,9% of the GDP according to the World Bank’s 2005 report.  Statistics South Africa in 2002 estimated the direct cost of crime for agriculture at R1 billion, but the figure could now be much higher.  From 1991 to March 2007 there have been more than 10 400 farm attacks and more than 1 500 murders in farming areas.  He said the trust had already funded more than 75 crime-fighting initiatives whereby many lives were saved and much trauma prevented.  Such initiatives include a proactive crime information-gathering effort in partnership with the SAPS, the provision of radios and relay systems, the installation of approved booms, funding of information brochures and trauma counselling workshops for victims of rural crime.

In the course of the evening, a Ford Bantam truck was auctioned off in favour of the trust fund with the compliments of Barloworld Motor, one of Agri SA’s valued partners.

After the evening function OFM received various compliments from sponsors who had already indicated that they wished to be involved again in next year’s Prestige sports evening.  Recognition was given to the following organisations and individuals who had reserved a table for the evening and/or made a donation to the function: Engen, OFM, Standard Bank, MacSteel Klerksdorp, Builders Market, Suidwes Landbou, NWK, Senwes, Santam Agri, Ottosdal Farmers’ Union, Agri Bonus, Rock Building Supplies, Barloworld Motor, Free State Agriculture’s Law and Order Committee, Tube Stone, Attitude Plus, Anglo Gold Ashanti, Chris Pretorius, Claude Möller, Theo and Melonie Ferreira, Wendy Thabete and Adél Schoeman.

AS A YOUNG FARMER, I LOVE FARMING – I AM HERE TO STAY!
Kobus Visser, Director:  Corporate Liaison

Agri Mpumalanga, announced at a gala evening on 20 May 2008 that co-incided with its annual congress there Young Farmer of the Year.  Wilscott Radley, this years’ winner, farms with his parents and brothers on the farm Eendag near Malelane.

The farming operation consists of 485ha sugarcane, 90ha citrus, 30ha mangoes, 200 head of Nguni stud cattle, and farms on 850-ha with game.  Wilscott is responsible for cane production, mechanisation, irrigation development and development of the game operation.  The sugarcane operation comprises 385ha under overhead irrigation, 100ha under drip irrigation and 40ha is being developed under pivot irrigation.  The farm boasts a yield of approximately 99 ton/ha that is made possible through effective water management and scheduling.  The aim is to establish more hectares under drip irrigation and so-doing ensure optimum water usage.  In the Onderberg area, all crop cultivation is heavily dependant on irrigation.
Wilscott matriculated at Nelspruit Hoërskool and obtained a degree in Agricultural Engineering at the University of Pretoria. After his university education, he further gained experienced in England.
He is married to Brigitte and the couple were recently blessed with a baby son.  Wilscott plays rugby for the Malelane Club and is also involved in organised agriculture as chairman of the Onderberg Farmers’ Union.
Wilscott is the second finalist in the 2008 Toyota Young Farmer of the Year competition. 

OPPORTUNITIES EXIST TO ESTABLISH A SUCCESSFUL FARMING OPERATION
Kobus Visser, Director:  Corporate Liaison

Willem Marx was announced as Agri North West Young Farmer of the Year at a prestigious function held at the Bundu Country Lodge on 23 May 2008.  Since completing school, Willie has been farming actively with his father on half the farm Brakpan in the Wolmaransstad district.  Willie is unmarried and has been farming for eight years.

His responsibilities include crop production, cattle farming and general farming activities.  Besides farming, he is also involved in diamond digging.  His operations consist of maize 43%, diamont digging 50% and cattle 7%.  Willie’s vision for the farm is that it should operate as a business to generate maximum profit, using resources optimally to ensure sustainable production.

Willie believes that agriculture plays an important role in the economy because farming is a major source of employment in rural areas, thus ensuring the viability of towns and communities.  Agriculture also provides food of high quality at competitive prices to the population of South Africa.  He is of the opinion that there are many opportunities to establish a successful farming operation and to produce on a sustainable basis.  Young farmers should use these opportunities and look at new possibilities for expansion.

He is also an active member of the Welverdiend Farmers Association.  He is involved in Verwes Social Services and presently supports  a student financially.  Willie believes it is critical that society does what it can to support the underpriviledged. 

Willie is the third finalist in the 2008 Toyota Young Farmer of the Year competition. 

PARLIAMENTARY REPORT: 5 – 9 MAY 2008
Annelize Crosby, Parliamentary representative, Adviser: Legal & Land Affairs

Land Bank: Strategic plan and budget
On 6 May 2008 the Land Bank made a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs regarding their strategic plan and budget.  The Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs also attended the meeting and introduced the members of the new Land Bank Board to the Portfolio Committee.  The new Board members were appointed by Cabinet on 5 May 2008.  The new chairman is Mr Themba Langa.  Other members include Prof. Herman van Schalkwyk, Rev. Otto Mbangula, Ms Patience Mnxasana, Ms Jesmane Boggenpoel, Mr Malungelo Zilimbola Mr Patrick Mathidi and Mr Modise Motloba.  Mr Langa informed the Portfolio Committee that the forensic report on the alleged irregularities within the Land Bank had been referred back to the Bank for further internal investigations.  A committee had been appointed by the Board to investigate the matter further and to make recommendations.  The chairman acknowledged that the Bank had over the past five years maintained low levels of capital and had incurred losses.  He also admitted that the Bank did not comply with its development mandate.  Besides the development role of the Land Bank it is also tasked with supporting commercial farmers and to help ensure food security.  He provided details of the bank’s medium and long-term strategy.  A fraud and corruption prevention plan was also presented to the Portfolio Committee.

Department of Trade and Industry:  Consumer Protection Bill
On 6 May 2008 the Department of Trade and Industry made a presentation on the Consumer Protection Bill to the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry.  There was a need for comprehensive legislation that would protect the rights of consumers.  The legislation would codify the common law rights of consumers and will also entrench rights such as the right to fair and equitable sales conditions, the right to fair and equitable transactions, the right to fair and responsible advertising, the right to quality, safety and fair value and the right to disclosure of information.  The full presentation is available on request.

Commission on the Restitution of Land Rights: Strategic plan and budget
On 7 May 2008 the Commission on the Restitution of Land Rights presented their strategic plan and budget to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs.  The acting Chief Land Commissioner, Mr Blessing Mphela, made the presentation.  He said events such as the Land Summit of 2005 and the Polokwane conference, among others, had assisted in directing the Commission’s strategic positioning.  The Commission’s projection is that 2 585 of the outstanding 4 998 claims would be settled by the end of 2008.  The Commission, however, is experiencing many problems, including conflict within communities and lengthy and expensive expropriation processes.  To date 74 698 claims have been settled and 1 994 million hectares have been transferred.  Mr Mphela said 53 notices of intent to expropriate had been issued.  There are also at present 105 cases before the Land Claims Court.  The Commission needs at least another R17,5 billion to settle the remaining claims.  Approximately R10,5 billion is needed for land acquisitions.  Members of the Committee expressed doubt as to whether the Commission would succeed in achieving its projected targets given its past record.
 
The Sasol Inzalo share invitation

The Sasol Inzalo share invitation: offering black South Africans the opportunity to enter the world of investing

Acting on its belief that economic growth underpins the creation of a prosperous South Africa, Sasol has conceived the Inzalo transaction to give impetus to the goal of distributing economic opportunities in an equitable manner.

Inzalo will enable individual black South Africans (African, Coloured or Indian) to potentially obtain shares in the company. Local black groups – in other words a company or close corporation in which one or more black people own more than 50% of the interest – can also participate, as can Stokvels. The invitation opens on 2 June 2008 and closes on 5 July 2008.

Black people who are interested in taking up the invitation must obtain a prospectus. These are available from all Post Offices across the country as well as Sasol and Excel service stations. The prospectus provides detailed information on the process that needs to be followed. It also contains an application form and outlines the supporting documentation required to complete this form.

Applicants will be notified in  August 2008 whether their application was successful and if so the number of shares allocated to them.

Sasol has also established a call centre for prospective applicants. The call centre agents can assist applicants with the completion of their application forms. Consultants can be reached by dialling 0800 000 222. In addition, Sasol has arranged for a number of roadshows to take place in every province. These will take place between 21 May and 21 June 2008.

For employers, the Inzalo share invitation can signal the financial beginning of a supplementary pension scheme. Employee share ownership is an investment that can be very rewarding. It enhances income flow (e.g. dividends) and ensures long-term growth and liquidity (as shares can be converted into cash).

Inzalo is about real empowerment and giving black people an opportunity to gain more financial freedom. Employers now have an opportunity to expose their employees to an era of greater wealth.

Inform your employees and take action before 5 July 2008.

For more information about this oppertunity contact Ingrid Krige on Tel 011 235 4321 or email
ingrid.krige@mslpr.co.za
RSG Landbou-program
RSG Landbou bestaan uit aktualiteitsonderhoude en landbounuus wat van Maandae tot Donderdae van 12:30 -12:45 uitgesaai word op RSG. Die aanbieder is Hennie Maas. Stigterslede Agri SA, MPO en Graan SA is verantwoordelik vir die verskaffing van inligting vir die programinhoud. Die programinhoud en nuus word gekoordineer en saamgestel deur Agri Connect.

Borge en medewerkers
Agri SA, MPO, Graan SA, Agri Connect, AgriBonus, Pfizer, UniGrain, Cape Wools’ SA, The Maize Trust,
Olie Advieskomitee, Voermol, Sanlam Cobalt, Santam, Old Mutual en Pannar
Landboufokus
Landboufokus, geborg deur FNB, is ‘n nuwe landbouprogram wat 1 Oktober 2007 afgeskop het van Maandae-Vrydae van 4:45-4:55 op RSG. Die program bestaan uit interessante onderhoude oor verskillende landboubedrywe. Die program word aangebied deur Hennie Maas en word saamgestel deur Agri Connect.

Agricultre Today
SABC 2  Maandae – Vrydae 05:30 – 60:00 met ‘n herhaling van die dag se program op SABC Africa om 06:30

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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