Minister Thoko Didiza meets agricultural sector stakeholders

Minister Didiza meets with agricultural sector stakeholders to discuss the availability of food throughout the country

Today the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza, met with various stakeholders in the Agricultural and Food sector to discuss issues related to food access problems, logistics around transportation to KwaZulu-Natal, and various parts of Gauteng that had been affected by the unrests, albeit at minimal extent.

The meeting was fruitful as all stakeholders involved committed to working together with the government in responding to the challenges of the food supply chain, and access in the case of KwaZulu-Natal following widespread violent protests and looting.

The Minister has further set up a technical team comprising experts from the industry and government to monitor the implementation of all the issues raised urgently. The Minister was joined in the meeting by the ministers of Health, Small Business, in the Presidency, Trade, Industry and Competition, and Public Enterprise.

“I wish to thank all stakeholders for their continued commitment to the agricultural sector and also urge our people to be vigilant and protect both government and private infrastructure as it plays a critical role in the production and transportation of food to all citizens. We should also avoid panic buying in other provinces of the country so that the food supply chains can continue functioning, uninterrupted, at an appropriate pace and serve our nation’s food needs. We have sufficient food supplies in the country, the immediate problem in supply chains for the KwaZulu-Natal are getting urgent attention.” said Minister Didiza.

Source: Government of South Africa