Kwanalu and farmers meet to discuss way forward
The main concerns tackled by Kwanalu are the proposed implementation of the new National Minimum Wage, safety and security of farmers and their employees and the topical and sensitive issue of expropriation without compensation.
During the month of March farmers from the ten districts all across KwaZulu-Natal met with the leaders of the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union, Kwanalu, in a series of District Meetings held across the province, to address crucial matters affecting the sector, including expropriation without compensation, safety and security issues and the introduction of the proposed new National Minimum Wage. Kwanalu President, Andy Buchan and CEO, Sandy La Marque, met with members of Farmer’s Associations across the province in order to communicate policy issues and strategies currently under the spotlight at Kwanalu, and for farmers to provide the union with feedback in order for Kwanalu to remain as relevant, informed and well-positioned in 2018 and into the future.
Commitment to organised agriculture, farmers’ associations tackling transformation and a focus on the younger generation of farmers as future leaders critical to the influence of organised agriculture, were strong underlying themes in all the meetings.
“It was encouraging to hear about initiatives people are implementing to drive change and to hear about how farmers look for solutions to the many challenges they face,” La Marque said.
Members also voiced their support for Kwanalu’s strategic direction taken in response to the numerous challenges facing the agricultural sector in 2018 and beyond. Farmers expressed their commitment to backing the union with the implementation of a new and more aggressive strategic plan as proposed by the national body, AgriSA, in response to recent developments on the issue of the future of land in the country.
Also discussed were some of the main concerns plaguing farmers, namely the proposed implementation of the new National Minimum Wage, safety and security of farmers and their employees and the topical and sensitive issue of expropriation without compensation.
A series of question and answer sessions were held, and provided for enlightening insight and a deeper understanding of farmers, giving Kwanalu much-valued feedback. Buchan called on farmers to work together and to assist wherever they could to drive the process of organised agriculture.
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“Farmers are the most important element in organised agriculture; with your participation, we can take your input to the highest level in the country,” said Buchan.
He also recognised the older generation of farmers for the strides they had made over the years and placed emphasis on youth in agriculture, encouraging young farmers to get involved in organised structures.
“We need young, level-headed, strategic thinkers to bring tactical focus to organised agriculture. We ask you to stand up and to get involved in issues, such as labour and land, affecting you and your future,” said Buchan.
