The African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA) celebrated its 10th anniversary by holding its annual conference in Durban.
Explaining the organisation’s role to Black farmers, the president of AFASA, Jabulani Mthembu stated that, despite doing everything possible, AFASA faces challenges.
“One of the main problems of AFASA is the problem of irrigation, agricultural land and how to get money for cropping and livestock for farmers. That is the main challenge,” explained Mthembu.
Black farmers from nine provinces attended this conference accompanied by celebrations.
Ministers from departments related to agriculture were part of the conference.
“Farmers had the opportunity to ask questions to ministers such as the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, but those who could not attend used other mediums to send their questions,” said Mthembu.
Farmers frequently band together to complain about the government, but there is rarely anyone to respond on behalf of the South African government.
Speaking at the conference, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu made a series of promises to farmers.
Water rights are a major issue in the work of South African farmers, preventing them from producing as much as they would like.
“We promise that within 90 days authorisations to use water will be issued to those farmers who have applied to use water legally,” explained Mchunu.
Mchunu continued to promise farmers that they will receive appropriate services from his department so that they can continue their work of producing food in South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa promised to issue permits to use water for farmers during his state of the nation address earlier this year.
“There are farmers who use water illegally, some supply false information, we are warning those who do this to stop,” said Mchunu.
AFASA was founded in 2011 by Black farmers who came from various farmers’ organisations.
The conference included a discussion of how far AFASA has come in the decade since it was founded as a Black farmers’ organisation.
Bheki Cele, the Minister of Police, addressed Black farmers about farm security and the problem of livestock theft in South African farms.
In memory of the association’s late President, Dr. Vuyo Mahlathi, AFASA members have agreed to establish awards in his honour.
Lumka Oliphant: ‘Yekani utywala’