South Coast farmers unhappy over banana imports

Bananas imported from neighbouring countries into South Africa, specifically to the South Coast and the Eastern Cape have raised the ire of local farmers.

There has been an influx of imports over the past five months which has affected business and resulted in job losses.
The vice-chairperson of the Southern KZN Banana Association, Scott Kvalsvig said the situation is dire as Mozambique is importing hundreds of tonnes of bananas to KwaZulu-Natal.

“The banana industry in SA is worth R1.8-billion, however a blind eye seems to be turned against the import situation,” said Kvalsvig.
He said local farmers are considering retrenching 80% of their workers, and others have decided to go into macadamia nut farming as it is not as labour intensive.

Lucky Mthembu, a banana farmer said the sector is complex, farmers, sellers and employees are suffering because of the imports.
“In the last five months we have been unable to plant and sell our bananas and have resorted to farming alternatives. The South Coast is known for banana farming, which is a source of income for many farmers. From selling over 1000 boxes a day, we are now selling just over 100 boxes,” said Mthembu.

Siya Mkhondo from Harding buys bananas from farmers and takes them to Makhulu Skop’s ripening facility, before selling to local stores and hawkers. He said the imports has affected his business as he uses a truck and van to deliver bananas to the Eastern Cape. He said his vehicles will be repossessed if he cannot make payments.

“I had five employees, recently I was forced to let them go. I don’t know what will happen if the imports continue,” Mkhondo added.

The banana sector employs over 2700 people, some have an additional seven family members to support, and others more.

Tom Perry of Helmstadt Farm in Izotsha said the problem is not the foreigners who import the bananas, but government which allows these imports. “There is no limitation on the imports and we want to know its (government’s) intentions,” said Perry.

Another farmer Siyanda Khumalo from Umdoni Estate in Port Edward said many are still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“While we are still recovering, the import issue comes in. How are we to repay the loans to the banks? Our stock is going to waste which is frustrating. We don’t want to fight and call on government to do away with these imports,” Khumalo emphasised.
Hawkers selling fruits and vegetables in Port Shepstone said there is no difference between the local and imported bananas, however the imported variety is cheap and they are now able to make a profit.

Kvalsvig was shocked to hear the hawkers response and raised concerns about the quality of the bananas. He said some of the countries from where these bananas are coming in from are known to have many diseases.
He questioned whether government is ensuring that these bananas are of high standard and will not bring diseases into the country.

The KZN Department of Agriculture spokesperson Mack Makhathini said that there are no specific agreements between the department and foreign banana importers.

“Like all other imports, importers apply for permits from the department which is issued if there are no pest and diseases risks. Imported bananas are then subjected to South African food safety and quality standards,” he said.

Makhathini said the farmers were engaged on the imports virtually via the Banana Growers Association that met with the minister, Thoko Didiza and Mooketsa Ramasodi to present challenges with competition of their bananas with Mozambique.

“A follow up meeting chaired by Ramasodi who is responsible for Agricultural Production, Biosecurity and Natural Responses Management resolved to update quality standards and regulations. All bananas, imported and locally produced must adhere to these regulations. The department pledged to increase inspections throughout the value chain in South Africa,” he emphasised.

The farmers addressed their challenges to members of the National Council of Provinces recently. The farmers are still awaiting a response from government.

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