“A united sustainable and vibrant agriculture sector with thriving rural communities in balance with nature.”
That was the message from KZN MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Cyril Xaba, who was addressing a meeting aimed at revitalising agriculture and land reform in Dundee last week.
MEC Xaba acknowledged that ‘the history of many of the farms has too often been characterised by squabbles and in-fighting.’
“I am well aware of the high level of unresolved labour tenant claims in districts like Umzinyathi. As the champion for land matters in this province, I am engaging with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform to ensure these get sorted out. There is similar engagement with the investigation into allegations of fraud in the restitution process involving Land Reform officials.”
The Farm Doctor issue has for over a year now caused tension between claimants, the Department and those who have been accused of ‘climbing on the band wagon’.

The only way to do this with guaranteed results is to exploit the agricultural potential in these districts.

“Government has recognised that for South Africa as a whole to advance economically, the agricultural sector has to be transformed. It has to feed the nation, provide jobs and, more importantly, uplift the rural areas where the majority of our people in this province live in poverty. “It has to be done to enhance the economic potential of our rural areas. Small towns must start generating extra revenue to be able to provide services and infrastructure for the communities they serve. The only way to do this with guaranteed results is to exploit the agricultural potential in these districts. A start is to revitalise farming areas that are lying fallow to become productive once more. Evidence from Asian, Latin American and other African countries have shown that increasing agricultural productivity is a powerful driver for wider economic development in an area.”